Selling Tips

Another post by me...sorry guys.

Any tips to making the house more "marketable"?

Re: Selling Tips

my Dad went thru the house and decluttered it

took down 90% of the personal pictures

he did this before they took the MLS pics

you want people to imagine there stuff there

if you have time this weekend watch shows like sell this house or designed to sell- they have really good tips

sell this house is on A & E and designed to sell is on HGTV

Re: Selling Tips

As a recent buyer who looked at many places, definitely hide your clutter. It makes a BIG difference.

Re: Selling Tips

I would say the biggest thing is make sure its clean... ESPECIALLY when you are getting the pics taken for the MLS.. its such a turn off to see pictures of cluttered houses.

Re: Selling Tips

You want people to come into your home and feel like it's there home

In general:
Remove religious items.
Remove personal photos.
Remove any clutter (store in the attic or garage or rent a storage unit if necessary)
Make sure all light bulbs in the house are in working order.

For the living room, family room, bonus room or rec room clear off all tables except for 2 - 3 magazines or a centerpiece. Remove ashtrays and personal photos. Remove all clutter.

Dining room - clear the table except for a nice centerpiece; leave off the table cloth, take out the leaf to make the room look bigger. Have 4 - 6 chairs at the table only. Remove all clutter.

Kitchen - clear off counters and remove all clutter. Leave out only the items you use daily (maybe the coffee maker) and put everything else away. You want to give the appearance of lots of counter space. Repair broken tiles and clean grout. Remove magnets, photos and drawings from the fridge. Clean exhaust fans, filters & hoods. Clean the stovetop and oven. Replace old or stained burners.

Clean the kitchen floor and sink and keep them clean for showings. Empty the garbage daily to prevent any smells. Keep detergents and cleaning supplies out of sight. Pack up any clutter.

Bedrooms - make the bed daily and maybe get a new bedspread. Remove all clutter. Store books and magazine under the bed. Keep closet doors closed. If you have a walk-in keep it clean and free of laundry & clutter. Have your radio tuned to soft music or maybe have a mellow CD playing. Keep personal photos to a minimum. Repair nail holes and touch up paint.

Laundry room - put detergents away and get rid of clutter. Keep sinks empty and counters clean daily.

Bathrooms - keep counters clean. replace bar soap with a bottle of liquid soap. Keep displayed towel colors to 1 - 2 colors. Make sure they match. Clear out shower caddy except maybe 1 bottle of shampoo/conditioner & liquid soap. Repair any caulking and touch up paint. Keep cleaning supplies, toilet brush & plunger out of sight.

Closets - make sure they are neat and that nothing will fall on a person opening the door.

Basement - should be free of odors. Repair and clean problem areas.

Garage - make sure it's neat and clean. If the garage is not used for storage, keep the cars in the garage and not the driveway.

Outside the house:
Walk across the street and look at your house. Can you see it Do you need to trim back bushes and trees Get rid of dead plants, keep lawn mowed.

Check out the paint. Maybe repaint doors and trim.

Keep decks, porches and walkways swept. Repair if necessary. Maybe have them pressure washed.

Remove clutter - grills, flower pots, toys, excess furniture etc.

Fences - repair and paint if necessary.

Roof - clean debris from roof and gutters, replace any missing or loose shingles.

Message edited 3/22/2007 8:52:45 PM.

Re: Selling Tips

wow thanks

Re: Selling Tips

I definitly agree with getting rid of clutter and keeping it clean. You will feel like you are always cleaning (thats how I feel now) but I really believe that if your house is neat and clean it shows pride in your home and that you take care of it.

Re: Selling Tips

Less is more. Have a neutral party (friend or RE agent) walk thru and make suggestions of what to store/toss.

Aromas can help/hurt. Get rid of any pet odor ASAP. Apple pie, warm scents are inviting and comforting during open houses.