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Presentation & Staging
It isn't always easy to do, but walk through your home and try to see
it for the first time, as any potential buyer will see it. Often times,
spending a little money and a bit of effort on sprucing the place up will
boost your final sale price.
Things to consider on the outside
First impressions count. If you pay attention to the outside of your house,
potential buyers get the message that your home has been lovingly cared
for before they open the door.
• Check the condition of the exterior of the house. Does your front
door need a fresh coat of paint? Do you need to repair that broken shutter?
Can you trim a branch that is blocking a window?
• Move any garbage cans, lawn and garden tools, extra building materials,
etc. to a garage or shed.
• Make sure gutters are cleaned and the roof has been swept.
• Keep lawn freshly cut, watered, and fertilized. Pull any weeds
or cover planting areas with mulch.
• Prune bushes and trees and remove any dead plants or shrubs.
• Remove any clutter from patios and decks. Clutter includes flower
pots, barbecues, toys, etc. Move to a garage, shed, or rented storage
unit.
• Consider planting flowers near the entrance or in pots by
the door.
• Make sure your doorbell works!
Things to consider on the inside
• First and foremost, your house should be clean. No clumps of dog
hair on the carpet or furniture; no dirty dishes in the kitchen sink;
no toothpaste globs in the bathroom; no cobwebs dangling from the corners.
Don't for get to clean the windows! Steam carpets and dry clean drapes,
if necessary.
• Clear clutter from your dining room table and replace with a vase
of fresh cut flowers.
• Clear off kitchen countertops and refrigerator doors. Take out
the trash.
• Bathrooms should also be free of clutter — remove items
from countertops, tubs, and shower stalls. Make sure towels are clean,
fresh and color coordinated.
• Simplify, simplify, simplify. Remove knick knacks and decorations
throughout the entire house. This includes the walls! Take down that wall
of 100 family photos and patch the holes. A simpler, more open space can
make rooms appear larger and allow buyers to imagine the home filled with
their own things.
• Rearrange furniture. You may want to remove some of your furniture
in order to open up the space. Place it in a garage, shed, or rented storage
unit.
• Paint! A fresh coat of paint is an easy way to brighten dated
decor and make a room feel new. Focus on the kitchen, family room, and
bedrooms.
• All of the basic appliances should be in working order.
• Don't cook anything that will leave a lingering odor, unless it's
fresh baked cookies or an apple pie.
• During open houses, leave the lights on, even during the day.
Creating Signs & Flyers >>
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