Getting a Home Ready for Sale!

Now, after being in Real Estate for 12 years...I know most sellers, think for a couple months prior to listing their home, about getting their home ready for sale.

Well, the first thing you should do before putting your home up for sale is, of course to call me, so I can come over and see what work has to be done to the home.

But, if you want to get a head start, these are the tips that I recommend...

1. Declutter the home...All the stuff that you have around the home needs to go. Whether you hold a garage sale, or pack it up and store it...it all needs to go. The kitchen counters need to be as clear as possible. I tell sellers, unless you use it on a daily basis, store it away and have a uncluttered kitchen.

2. Depersonalize the home..Take down all family pictures, take down all stuff off the refrigerator. Buyers want to come into a home and picture it as their home. If you have pictures and other stuff that is about you, then they focus on that.

3. Repaint, Fix, and Clean...Repaint walls that need it a Neutral Color, Clean Carpets, fix things that are broken or need fixing..I have seen buyers get turned off due to wall colors or start deducting from the sales price what they have to do to the home.

4. Focus on Curb Appeal..A buyers first impression is when they drive up to the home. We live in South Florida, so spruce up the front with some new flowers, make sure the lawn is taken care of and if the home, needs a fresh coat of paint...take care of it.

5. And last, I want you to act as if you are the buyer! That means walk through your home, like if you were the buyer.  What turns you off to the home? Does the rooms seem like they have nice flow to it? Does furniture need to be rearranged? Does some rooms have too much furniture and some pieces need to be removed? Does each room show its best?

Now, I will be happy to come over and help you with this process to get your home ready for sale, so that you can get top dollar for the home and that it will sell in a reasonable time period!

Jeffrey R. Carlson
RE/MAX Masters
561-284-6946