You’ve decided to sell your home. Maybe the kids have moved out, you have kids on the way or you are relocating.The steps you take to prepare your home for sale are crucial to a successful closing. Preparing your home for sale can feel like an overwhelming task. I always recommend taking things step by step.
First, you will want to grab a notepad and a pen. Stand outside your house by the curb and take a look at the exterior paint, is it peeling? How about the gutters? How do the garage doors look? Do they need to be painted? Washed? Are the windows clean? Are the screens clean and not torn? How about the landscaping? Are bushes overgrown? Are there weeds in the flower beds? Now, walk up to your front porch/doorway. How does it look? Are there cobwebs? Is it dirty? Remember, this is the first area a potential buyer will see when viewing your home.
Plant new flowers, trim hedges and bushes and make sure they don’t obstruct the windows. Clean out the gutters and clear them of any debris. Clear the flower beds of weeds and put down fresh mulch. Black is a very popular color for mulch now. Mow the yard and treat for weeds (if there are any). Clean the windows and inspect the screens to make sure they aren’t torn. Paint the exterior if needed. (Paint is an inexpensive way to make a home look great; inside and out!) What about the front door? How does the door handle/lock look? Are they rusted? Worn? Are they sturdy and secure? It might be time to replace the hardware on the door. And what about the door itself? Could it use a new coat of paint? Make the exterior of your home shine! Spruce up the curb appeal to attract more potential buyers.
Now, walk around to the back of your home. Stand at the back of the yard and look at the patio area, the yard, windows and the back door. How does it look? Has Fido scratched up the door? Are there poop piles in the yard? Is the patio inviting? Are the windows clean and screens not torn? You will want to make sure the backyard is mowed, and weeds are treated. The patio should have a nice seating area (if there is room) and should be clutter-free. Many folks spend a lot of time on their back patio, so be sure not to overlook this area when prepping your home for sale!
In the next post, we will begin to look at the interior of the home.
If you would like a free consultation to assist you in preparing your home for sale; contact me at 405.205.2778.
