3: Advanced Preparation
This is HUGE. You might be thinking “I didn’t do all this when I was living in the house, why do it now and not enjoy the benefits”. The reason is that you are competing with other houses in a similar price range and how well the house shows and that first impression is critical.. You want that buyer to walk up (and or in) and say “wow”. Here are some recommended preparations:
- Curb appeal comes first – Just remember that potential buyers typically notice those little things you overlook everyday. Start with the landscaping. Be sure to trim overgrown shrubs, pull weeds, add fresh mulch and keep the grass cut and edged. Power wash if needed at all and exterior painting with special attention to entrance areas, railings, columns and front door. Consider a new front door lock (be sure match lockset brand to your other outside doors and key alike), or a new doorbell if the old one is cracked. Explore the idea of a WIFI video doorbell as a nice touch of technology.
- Clean the whole house. Carpet cleaning is always a good idea as it helps you get unwanted clutter off the floors anyway and be sure to get the carpet re-stretched as needed.
- Painting – fresh paint is always a good thing. The kitchen and main living areas are the priority. HGTV’s website usually has great ideas for new latest/greatest color schemes. Lean toward neutral colors if unsure. Kill off the wild colors.
- De-clutter – There are “books” written about this online from every blogger who ever sold a house. My favorite word here is “tidy” meaning “arranged neatly and in order”. If all the rooms/closets are tidy, you are good to go. Kitchens and bathrooms can be problematic since they are used everyday. Put the toaster, blender and bread box away and keep the bathroom vanities clear of all personal items. Clean and shiny countertops are the rule.
- De-personalize – this one is harder for some sellers to grasp than de-clutter. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in “your” house and an assemblage of family photos, heirlooms, trophies and the like can make them feel more like an intruder into your private space. I know it just might not seem right to take that deer head off the wall, but for some buyers it will make a difference. An added bonus to de-personalizing is that you begin the process of disconnecting emotionally from the house. Don’t ever think of de-personalizing as a personal attack on your “stuff”, rather a “wiping of the slate” for the prospective buyer. Be prepared that the process of de-cluttering and de-personalizing may lead to the need for storage rental. Or you will become friends with the folks at your nearest Goodwill store.
- What needs replaced? The idea here is to simply see what looks worn or is worn out and not go overboard. Not all fixes translate into return on investment. Examples would be the kitchen faucet, kitchen sink, cabinet hardware or 30 year old toilets. Be sure to ask your agent before spending the money. Market conditions and pricing factor into these decisions.
