Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time.
A lot of buyers today prefer move-in-ready homes and easily eliminates other great homes just because they focus on few visible flaws. You may carry on showing after showing and open house after open house yet end up with a lower sales price unless your home shines above the rest of the comparable homes in your area. Before welcoming potential buyers through your property, you may want to consider some makeover or minor repairs to make it more appealing.
Here are five ways to get your house ready to sell.
Have a home inspection
Initiate a pre-sale home inspection. This way, you’ll see any possible issues that could make a potential buyer back out. Make some repairs before listing your home on the market. In some states, it is required to disclose the inspection results.
Get replacement estimates
Be prepared for the inspection results because it may reveal necessary repairs that you can’t fund if this happens, get estimates for the work that needs to be done. This way your potential buyers will have a clear figure of what needs to be funded and if it’s within their budget. You can also search some warranties, guarantees, and user manuals of your washer, dryer, dishwashers and any other items you expect to remain with the house.
Make minor repairs
Do some repairs as much as you can. Even the slightest problem can give your buyers the impression that your home is not maintained well. Fix some sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking or dripping faucets. Not every repair costs a bundle so work on those repairs before listing your home on the market.
Clear the clutter
Clean your home before you welcome potential buyers. Pack things as much as you can. Organize your belongings. Store the items you’ve packed in your garage or basement. This will give buyers a clearer view your house features. The lesser clutter you have the better view your buyer gets.
Do a thorough cleaning
First impressions last so you should give those buyers the impression that will make them send you an offer. Clean your house thoroughly. If you have no time and you can afford, consider hiring a cleaning service.
If you’re doing it yourself, pay attention to every small detail. Your garage and basement may need some cleaning too so don’t forget to clean them, too. This will give buyers the impression that the house is well maintained and a higher chance of getting it sold fast.
Courtesy of: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/5-tips-prepare-your-home-sale/#ixzz1gBDVby00