Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready To Sell

We know you know the basics of getting your home ready to sell – de-clutter, repair, clean and stage. But buyers can be unpredictable. Any number of things – some of them practically intangible – can make them fall instantly in or out of love with your house.  So how do you combat that kind of pickiness? Here are a few tricks of the trade, courtesy of Forbes.com.

Set the welcoming mood. You’ve got curb appeal, but what about “walking up to the door” appeal? Invest in a new doormat and scrub down your front door since it’s probably covered with dust, dirt, and oils. Better yet, repaint it and add some new house numbers and a new porch light.

Wash the windows. Have your windows professionally washed, or devote an afternoon to washing them yourself from both inside and out. Even on gray days, clean windows will let in more light and make your rooms sparkle — and buyers will definitely notice if it isn’t done.

Mind the details. Small details can make your home look dumpy without you even realizing it. Freshen up rooms with new switch plates and outlet covers if yours are grubby or yellowed. Polish handles and hardware, and use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove minor spots and scuffs on walls.

Get painting. Paint adjacent rooms the same color to give the appearance of an open floor plan. Paint the walls to match your drapes and use the same colors and patterns in the master bedroom and bath. Walls aren’t the only things that need a fresh coat of paint. Dingy doors, window frames and trims will drag down the prettiest of rooms.

Appeal to the senses. Bake a fresh batch of cookies to create a homey feel in the kitchen. Employ soothing scents like vanilla and lavender in bathrooms and bedrooms. Make sure everything is clean and sparkling.

Make your space look bigger. Hang floor-length curtains above the windows to give the illusion of higher ceilings. Lay down a striped rug to make the floor seem more expansive. Use a clear shower curtain to open up a small bathroom.

Fake a closet organization system. Make your storage look custom with DIY shelves, hangers, and bins. Organize clothes by type and color for added impact.

Dress up the laundry area & garage. Make your laundry area and garage look welcoming by adding a folding surface, bins, and baskets for storage, or even installing wall shelves to store laundry accessories as well as sporting goods.

Prepare for snoopers. Buyers will open your fridge, peek in your medicine cabinet, and check under your sinks. Make these areas so tidy that even Martha Stewart would be proud.

De-clutter. You have a lot of stuff. Potential buyers don’t need to see it. The less “stuff” that’s around, the roomier your house will seem. Start packing BEFORE you list your home so that those extra books, clothes and furniture are in storage.

Good luck!

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