Get your house ready before you put up the "For Sale" sign.
Selling a home in today's real estate market can be difficult. While price is the main deciding factor for buyers, the National Association of Realtors says a home will take longer to sell if the homeowner hasn't taken care of details to present a clean and uncluttered space with neutral décor. Some home buyers just can't see past your decorating style, especially if it doesn't appeal to them. Take the effort to assess your house and prepare it prior to putting it up for sale.
Instructions
1. Clean. Dirt is a definite turn-off to a buyer. Scrub every nook and cranny, and consider hiring a professional cleaner. Then maintain it with regular surface cleanings while the house is on the market.
2. Declutter. Clear out knickknack collections, excesssive family pictures and any other items that could distract a buyer. This way, the buyer is looking at your home and not at your stuff.
3. Paint beat-up or oddly colored walls a neutral color. This freshens up the rooms, gives your buyer the impression that the home has been taken care of and allows people to visualize themselves there.
4. Fix anything that is broken. Repair any cracked windowpanes, holes in the wall, damaged tiles and dripping faucets. Any unfinished project makes the buyer feel the home is not well maintained and that there are problems lurking.
5. Update. You don't necessarily need to install an entirely new kitchen; new light fixtures and kitchen cabinet hardware are items that won't cost much but will add value to your home.
6. Give your home curb appeal. Remove the kids' toys in the yard, paint the front door, trim bushes and plant some flowers. Be sure all of your outdoor lights have working bulbs.
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