Are you getting ready to put your home on the market? If so, it is important that you take certain steps in order to guarantee your home is as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Here’s a look at a few of the things that you absolutely must do before your first buyer shows up to take a closer look at your property.
Remove and Replace Items that Will be Going with You
While you don’t necessarily need to move furniture and other items, you should remove any built-in appliances or fixtures that will be going with you. This way, there will be no confusing regarding what is included with the home. Further, you won’t have to worry about losing out on a sale because the buyer had his or her heart set on keeping a certain fixture in the home. If removal of the item leaves an obvious blank spot in its wake, however, be sure to replace the item with something different.
Make Necessary Repairs
Minor problems with a home will generally turn off most buyers. After all, unless they are looking for a handyman’s special, no one wants to purchase a home that will require them to immediately get to work. As such, part of your prepping process needs to include making minor repairs as necessary. Some repairs that you might need to make to the house include:
* Replacing cracked floor and counter tiles
* Patching holes in the walls
* Fixing faucet leaks
* Fixing doors that don’t shut properly
* Repairing drawers that jam
* Recaulk your tubs, showers and sinks
You should also replace any burnt out light bulbs and, even though your bed and its blankets may not be included in the sell, you may even want to replace a worn out bedspread or other items that may detract from the overall appearance of your home.
Keep the House Clean
Keeping your house as clean as possible is another important step toward getting it sold quickly. As such, you will likely find yourself cleaning your house on a regular basis. Before you put it on the market, you should do all of the following things to help make your house sparkle;
* Wash the inside and outside of your windows
* Wash the exterior of your house as well as your sidewalks with a power washer
* Clean away all cobwebs
* Polis your chrome faucets
* Wash your mirrors thoroughly
* Bleach grout that has become dingy looking
In addition to completing these major cleaning projects, you should also do the following on a regular basis:
* Clean out your refrigerator
* Vacuum ever day
* Wax the floors
* Dust your furniture, light fixtures and fan blades
* Hang up fresh towels and adorn your bathroom towels with ribbons and bows
It is also important to note that unpleasant smells are also a major turn off to buyers, so be sure to do whatever it takes to get rid of musty or otherwise unpleasant odors. In fact, if at all possible, it is a good idea to bake a pie or some chocolate chip cookies before the potential buyer arrives. This way, your house will feel warm and cozy while also projecting a delicious smell that the buyer is sure to love.
Ryan Lynch is part of the marketing team for an Austin Real Estate Company: http://www.jimolenbush.com/
They specialize in West Austin: http://www.jimolenbush.com/west-austin.htm and Lake Travis: http://www.jimolenbush.com/laketravis.htm
Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com
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