Week of August 13th, 2007
Why do some homes sell quicker than others? There are as many reasons as there are buyers and sellers, of course, but here are some tips that just may give you a head start on selling your home!
Ten Tips to a Fast Sale
1. Pick up all the clutter, straighten and thin out the closets and cabinets, pack away out-of-season clothes, old toys, and anything else that’s not necessary.
2. Clean like you’re a new bride and your mother-in-law is coming for a visit.
3. If you have a pet, hire a professional or use an enzyme cleaner to remove any traces of stains. Then, invite a trusted friend in to do a ‘sniff’ test. Same goes if you’ve ever smoked in your house.
4. Create a model home. Remove some furniture to make rooms look more spacious, add more lighting, remove unnecessary items from the kitchen and bathroom counters.
5. Start packing now! Rent a storage unit and pack away half of your furniture, books, CD collection, dishes, pots and pans, etc.
6. Make minor repairs. Fix leaky faucets, fix squeaky doors or sticky drawers, replace burned out lights, and touch up paint that needs it.
7. Let the sun shine in! Remove heavy drapes and replace them with sheers or no curtains at all. Turn on all lights, even in the daytime.
8. If you don’t want to include something with the sale of the house – remove it now. You don’t want your grandmother’s antique chandelier to become a deal breaker.
9. Everyday could be THE day your house sells. Before you leave in the morning, spend a few minutes tidying up. Make the beds, leave the kitchen and bathrooms spotless, and take out the trash.
10. Shift your thinking. Your lovely home is now a product to be sold. Pack up personal photos and family heirlooms. Make the house look neutral so that buyers can imagine putting their own stamp on the house.