Following are a few tips to remember when you're selling a home:
Start From the Outside, and Work Your Way In
Don't underestimate the importance of drive-up appeal. A well manicured lawn, neatly
trimmed shrubs and a clean walkway all help make a good first impression.
Also, repair or replace damaged screens, glass panes, door hardware and other
outdoor fixtures.
Invest In Paint
Paint livens up a dingy room and makes it fresh and more appealing. Use
soothing colors like white or other neutral tones.
Invite Sunshine
Open your curtains, shades or drapes to let in the sun and brighten
the room. Washing windows inside and out will add a sparkle to your room.
Also, turn on lamps or accent lighting and replace missing light bulbs. This
helps to make the room more inviting.
Mend Minor Flaws
Check squeaky and hard-to-open
windows, doors, door knobs, drawers and sliding glass doors for ease of operation
and provide adjustments or lubrication as necessary. Make sure all your plumbing
is in working order, too. And always clean rust and soiled spots, empty trash
baskets and deodorize pet and smoking areas.
Decorative Kitchens Can Sell A Home
Create a comfortable atmosphere in the kitchen with colorful
curtains, cup towels and place mats. Clear countertops of appliances and add
green plants or bowls of fruit. Remember, prospective buyers will look inside
cabinets, so make space in cabinets and clean inside and out.
Blend Color And Convenience In Bathrooms
Remove clutter from bathroom
vanities and cabinets. Be sure to scrub the sinks, tub, shower, and polish
mirrors and chrome. Always clean the floors and walls, and deodorize the area.
Put out nice towels, and add some scented soaps or candle.
Living And Dining Areas Reveal Interests
Arrange your living-
and dining-room furniture to create an open friendly effect. Straighten cluttered
bookshelves and discard excess papers. Clean all the carpets, and polish the
furniture and hardwood floors. By adding a few logs in the fireplace, and
magazines, books and flowers to the coffee table, you'll portray an inviting
and well-maintained home.
Family Rooms Are For Relaxation
In family rooms, you should store games and sports equipment
or arrange them in attractive containers. Your goal is to eliminate the clutter.
Turn off all entertainment units and play soft relaxing music. Place furniture
in conversational groups, and showcase books and magazines on tables or shelves.
Bedrooms Must Invite Rest And Peace
Avoid a crowded look in
the bedroom by removing excess furniture and unnecessary items — keeping
the room light and bright. Attractive, clean and crisp bed linens, with decorative
pillows and shams, are important to help add peace and tranquility to the
room. Arrange nightstands to display books, plants and family photos.
Value Goes From Top To Bottom
Permit visitors to see the value of your property from the attic
to the basement and through the garage. Remove unnecessary artifacts, and
neatly arrange stored boxes and cartons. Darker spaces may be lightened with
new paint or additional lights in room and for stairs.