Getting Your Home Ready For Sale

Here are a few suggestions for getting your home ready for sale.

Ideally it is best to do upgrades and keep your home well maintained throughout your homeownership. This is done by keeping up with anything that may need fixing or is outdated. Doing upgrades to rooms, the kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces, and yards with updated décor will give you a great return on investment (ROI). Keeping it looking modern and fresh if you can will not only give you a pleasant living space but will give you less things to do when it comes time to sell. Kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms will be the best areas to focus on. The next will be the backyard and front for the best curb appeal possible. Some simple upgrades that are not too costly but will give you financial benefits when you are ready to sell are…

Upgrades to do during homeownership

Replace the front door to a more updated or elegant looking one, if need be.
Fresh paint to rooms and/or add crown molding.
Make sure the ceilings are kept up and not outdated.
Add a fresh coat of paint to old cabinets if you cannot replace the cabinets or you can add new doors to give the kitchen a fresh look.
Add potted plants to front and/back yard and keep them up.
Add blinds or new valances or curtains to the home.
New carpet or flooring will help if it’s in your budget.
A new bathroom vanity, sink, and mirror are all easy fixes depending on your budget.
New windows, if need be, are a great investment.

If you were not able to do any maintenance while owning your home but have decided you are ready to sell, you can still do a few quick fixes to make the pictures look as fabulous as possible and your home look warm and inviting for the open house.

Front of the House

Curb appeal will be the first thing to take into consideration. Keep the lawn cut and watered regularly.
Trim hedges and prune trees.
Keep any outdoor furniture updated. Dust any cobwebs. Get rid of any rusty furniture or signs you may have in the front yard.
Add seasonal potted flowers or plants that are colorful near the entrance.
Make sure the sidewalks, driveway, and walkway to the door are kept clean with as little oil and other debris as possible.

Exterior

Take a walk around your home and check for any cracks, check the foundation, and walkways for any mishaps that you can do a quick fix to.
Inspect the doorway area including the front windows. A quick coat of paint can do wonders. Clean the windows or hire a professional window washer.
Clean and straighten any gutters.
Check the roof and if possible, replace damaged parts.
Change the front door or if need be, add a fresh coat of paint.
Add new elegant house numbers to your home and be sure to make them visible from the street. This adds to curb appeal.
Make sure the outside of your home looks friendly and inviting.

Interior

Do a walk through and write down all you see that may need to be fixed. My DIY Tips to stage your own home that comes with a checklist.
Patch any holes in the walls.
Replace cracked tiles on the floors or counters if possible.
Fix any squeaky doors or doors that do not close right.
Replaced broken windows, window seals, and screens.
Patch any cracks on the floors or any brickwork.
Have carpet professionally cleaned.
Replace old wallpaper.
If possible, update appliances and décor to make it updated, light, and inviting.

Cleaning

Make sure the walls do not have stains or cobwebs. If you cannot paint, then clean with soap and water.
Wash windows or have a professional window washer come out to clean them.
Dust throughout making sure to get the top of TV’s, Headboards, seals, shelves, etc. Give your place the white glove test.
Re-caulk areas that may need help such as tubs, showers, sinks, pool area, window seals, etc.
Wash sinks, counters, polish faucets. Clean the mirrors.
Wash hardwood floors.
Replace any curtains, rugs, outdated décor with new décor.
Hang fresh towels in your kitchen and bathroom.
Air the home out.

Hope this helps to get your home in tip top shape and ready for a sale. Don’t forget to download my guide on DIY Tips to stage your own home.