Thinking of Selling? Start Here!

You’ve been in your current home for a while and it’s time for a change. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just ready for a new home, you’ve got some work to do before your house is ready to list.

But the good news is, if you put in a little bit of work – and some money – in the beginning of the selling process, you’re likely to reap the rewards when buyers begin making offers.

Dress Your Home for Success

Once you stick that For Sale sign in your front yard or publish that online listing, your home will be a magnet for drive-by viewings. Many buyers hop in their cars and drive around neighborhoods, scoping out what’s on offer and deciding based on the exterior of a house whether they want to look inside.

Taking a little bit of time before you broadcast your home’s for sale status is going to pay off as potential buyers will be calling for second looks.

Inside

• Clean, clean, clean! Shampoo carpets, wash walls, and make sure the windows sparkle.
• Maximize available counter space in your kitchen, stashing away small appliances if necessary.
• Identify and repair any dripping faucets, sticking or creaking doors, or loose trim.
• Organize your clothing in closets and remove extra clutter.
• Pare down furniture in each room wherever possible. The less furniture you have, the larger the room looks.
• Do what you can to lighten up the appearance of your home.
• Spruce up the front entry. This is the first thing buyers see, so make sure they get a good impression.
• Discard everything in your garage that hasn’t been used in at least a year.

Outside

• Improve your home’s curb appeal by removing clutter – toys, garbage cans, etc. – from your home’s exterior and cleaning stains off the driveway.
• Consider scrubbing or repainting your front door. It really is an important part of the first impression!
• Touch up any exterior paint, including shutters and your mailbox, where needed.
• Keep your lawn nicely trimmed and edged. If you’re busy or have already moved out, consider hiring a lawn service to keep your landscaping in check.
• Remove dead and dying flowers, and consider adding color with fresh annuals or perennials that are in season. Trim bushes and add fresh mulch to flower beds.
• Clean out gutters and remove debris and moss from roofs.
• If your roof leaks, make necessary repairs.
• Check your fence. Repair and repaint it if necessary.
• Keep your windows sparkling clean and replace any that may have cracks or broken seals.

 

While this may seem like a lot of work, putting in this extra initial effort will help your home stand out from the crowd. You’ll attract more potential buyers, get more offers, and hopefully be able to sell closer to your asking price!

Experienced Realtor in Central Maryland

I’m Diane, and for nearly 30 years, I’ve worked with sellers throughout central Maryland, helping them get their homes ready to sell. I work closely with you to help your home make the best first impression it can, and do everything I can to get you your full asking price. If you’re looking to sell your home, call today!