Getting buyers interested in purchasing can be a real challenge in today's market. There are so many competing homes available, and many sellers are pricing at near wholesale. Competing with these sellers is a challenge, yet you can make the sale. Create an outstanding impression on every prospective buyer who passes your home. Create an even better impression on those who come to look at your home.
Creating that great impression means there is work ahead. You need to properly prepare your home before it is even placed on the market. If finances allow, consider having a professional inspection completed. You will then know the major problem areas that need to be addressed to have your home ready to sell. If you can't afford a professional, then make that inspection yourself. While you might not catch everything that needs to be addressed, you should be able to catch the major concerns.
Start your preparation by dealing with the exterior of your house. The front of your house creates the first impression for everyone who comes for a walk-through. Your goal is to create a first impression that will make prospective buyers want to come in and see more. You want the exterior, especially what is seen from the street to look fresh and eye-catching.
First comes de-cluttering and clean up. Get garbage cans and equipment out of sight. Pick up litter and anything else that is out of place.
Next comes the grass. Move the lawn and fertilize if needed to green it up. Keep it watered, edged and looking great from the street. Trim trees and shrubs if needed. Add shrubs to fill in for missing or poor-looking plants. Flower beds need to be weeded and add bark dust or mulch to give them a fresh look. Add color spots to give it a finished look.
Next look at the front of the house itself. Does the front need to be power washed? Does it need to be painted? Wash the windows. Don't forget to paint the trim on the house and around the windows. Focus on the front door. Replace it if it is dated and worn. If not, freshen it up with paint. Adding a kick-plate and new hardware can also make a huge impact.
Repeat this around the entire exterior of the house. Will your focus is the front, don't forget that every prospective buyer will be viewing the sides and back of the house as a part of their tour. Simple, clean and organized appearance is important all the way around the exterior of your house.
To your home selling success!
