First of all, let me tell you that by being
a Realtor, I have been in thousands of homes, worked with
hundreds of buyers and sellers, and I know what people are
looking for when they walk into a home. Real estate agents
are a great source of advice! Right now it's a buyer's market.
It’s full of stiff competition. You definitely need
to be prepared and ready to impress.
You may want to go ahead and have a home inspection
prior to putting your home up for sale. This way, you will
have documentation and will be able to supply a potential
buyer with knowledge and realistic life expectations. It
will help them feel more comfortable with the possible flaws
and more confident in you and the home. Even if there are
things to possibly be fixed or replaced in the future, you
may have just gained their trust and okay with doing some
projects on their own.
Pricing your home correctly will ultimately
be the deciding factor for the buyer as a rule. I’m
sure you’re looking for top dollar and expect the
most out of your home. After all, it is probably something
you’ve invested in and it’s personal to you
and your family. This list is intended to be straight forward
and to the point.
Let’s start with the most important
aspect of your humble dwelling, CLEANLINESS!
I can’t say this enough. Clean,
Clean, Clean. Okay, three times will have to do
(For now.)
While the word clean is hopefully sticking
in your mind, (oops I said it again.) let’s focus
on the exterior; this is the first thing people will see
obviously. There’s nothing you can do about your street
or location, but there is something you can do with your
own lot. Get the outside ready to go for that crucial first
impression.
The
yard, should always be looking it’s best.
Bushes and landscaping should be neat and trimmed. I can’t
tell you how many times I’ve walked onto a property
with someone, and the first words were “Uh oh, I hope
the inside looks better.” Or “Wow, so far, so
good.” Please make sure all outdoor items that aren’t
being used are put away neatly, including lawnmowers, toys,
and garbage cans.
- New storm doors
are a great way to add appeal for a decent price. If your
current doors/screens are in need of paint or replacement,
it may be something to consider. Windows are also in today’s
market looked at seriously. Most buyers expect newer replacement
windows. If you can’t quite swing it, at least make
sure your existing windows are sparkling, free of cracks,
functional, and there are no missing storms or screens.
Paint the window trim if needed. No paint should be chipping
or pealing including on the home, porch, awnings, or windows.
A buyer looks at it as neglect. If you’re neglecting
the outside, what should they expect on the inside? Don’t
let them raise eyebrows already!
- Smaller improvements
can add value and visual appeal also; such as a new mailbox,
address numbers/letters, well placed flowers/planters. Even
a new welcome mat and a swept porch/sidewalk can make everything
just look more clean. (There it is again.)
I’ll assume you knew most of these things
and they are already done. Understand, I’ve been to
many homes and have seen some interesting things. Not everyone
has the time or the funds to make improvements or to make
things sparkle. Perfection isn’t expected, but it
sure doesn’t hurt!
Now let’s move on to the inside of your
abode. The best advice I can give is to start at the door
they will enter. Start slow. Look around the way a stranger
would. Take the tour yourself! Pretend you’re a potential
buyer, or have a family member/friend come in and critique
each room. (Preferably, have your Realtor do this before
putting in the for sale sign!) This is actually my favorite
part. Maybe because I understand how important it is and
how simple it can be. I always find something to move, replace,
organize, or change in a home. Often times, it’s something
that homeowner has overlooked all the years they’ve
been there. An outside eye can make all the difference.
Okay, I think you’re getting point. Clean! Sorry,
had to throw that in there.
You may or may not have all these features
in your home. If you do, please allow your ears to perk
up, and take note. The entrance should be extremely taken
care of. If you have a foyer, keep it clutter free. Paint
if needed, and remember the hall closet WILL be opened.
- Closets are a big one.
If you have an older home, like many in Ohio, especially
Lakewood, Rocky River, Cleveland Hts. and Old brooklyn,
chances are you’re in need of more closet space. In
the old days people actually survived with fewer garments.
Imagine that. There’s not much you can do about the
space, but there is something you can do about the appearance
of. The more that’s out and off the floor/shelves,
the better! People love closet space, and they love going
through your closets! Don’t forget them. Make sure
they offer as much space as possible and are clean (Yes,
clean!)
-
The kitchen, or shall I say the busiest
and most used part of the home. In today’s HGTV/Home
Depot world, you should expect for the kitchen to be looked
at and observed carefully. Upgrades are a must. Newer appliances
that come with the home are also a positive. That lime green
stove from 1978 isn’t a great throw in feature. Cabinetry
is also a huge factor these days. Lots of space, and beauty
is in. If you can’t afford to go all out and replace
them, a cost effective approach may be refacing the cabinets
or replacing/updating hardware, even painting them may help
as a last resort. Granite, marble and engineered stone countertops
are all rage. There are so many choices from top of the
line, to lower budget beauty. If replacement isn’t
an option, at least make sure your counters are clean! And
free of any clutter. Remove almost everything not used.
Store it away, but remember potential buyers will also look
inside your cabinets.
- Painting the walls or applying
wallpaper should be done with care. On
average, people choose white. White or lighter colors will
make the room appear larger yes. It may not reflect the
light in the best way though. There are so many colors and
textures to choose from. Try if you can to keep it neutral
but don’t be afraid of a little color. If your home
looks like it may fit in with a hospital, it may not be
quite warm enough or shall I dare say boring.
- Flooring options are abundant. The preferred
choices are ceramic tile, granite, or hard wood. Natural
is in if possible. If you want to be unique and draw some
interest, try adding bamboo or cork flooring. Perhaps not
in the whole house, but a rec room, bedroom, or sunroom
may add an interesting twist. If you have carpet, shampoo
it, and make sure it’s not in need of replacement.
- The living room and dining
room should have furniture moved to show
the most potential space. It should be roomy, bright, and
free of personal belongings. Many people have religious
items, photos on the wall/mantle, family albums on the coffee
table, etc. All these items should be removed. Hang or replace
with something neutral. The reason for this is that when
someone is interested in possibly buying your home, they
aren’t just a visitor. They need to view the home
as theirs. Imagining their photos and personal belongings
filling the walls and home. Allowing this freedom to the
buyer will not only help them make a decision about living
there, but it will also make them more calm and comfortable
while touring your home.
-
Bedrooms are similar. I understand it’s
hard to get the teenager to remove the poster of Britney
Spears, or to add something different to the part of the
wall that includes the wedding photo, but again, it’s
necessary to keep things as neutral as possible and of course
clutter free. All personal belongings on dressers should
be tucked away. The one place I hardly notice anyone looking
is under the beds. This may be a great place to store things
as they build up from the closets and cabinets. Purchase
storage bins at a discount store and fill them up! (By the
way, clearing out these areas helps when moving. The more
you can get rid of now, the easier for you later.) Yes,
make the beds and make sure everything is clean! (Sorry)
- Bathrooms are almost as looked at as
kitchens. The more bathrooms you have the better. Buyers
often request from me 4 bedrooms 3 baths. It’s almost
expected for there to be a bathroom for every bedroom. With
so many different features and hardware to choose from,
having an updated bathroom is almost considered standard.
Even if you can’t get to everything, a few new things
such as a vanity, mirror, flooring, lighting, or interior
surround in the shower may help. Most of these projects
separately are pretty inexpensive. Double sinks are very
desirable in the master bath along with Jacuzzi tubs. Again,
expect your linen closets and medicine cabinets to be looked
at, so make sure they’re umm, yes you got it.
- Basements and attics
are considered living spaces at times. Depending of course
on the size, they can make for great rec rooms, offices,
dens, and even an extra bedroom. If you have a space like
this, and it’s not finished, finish it off if you
can. Adding an extra living space in the home can add tremendous
value and can set you apart from the house down the street.
Basements should be dry. They should be bright and as cheerful
as possible. Please remove the clothes hanging near the
dryer!
- Mechanicals
are and should be looked at seriously by buyers. There’s
more to a home than wallpaper and granite countertops. Your
furnace if not newer should be inspected, serviced if needed
and make sure it’s CLEAN. (Last time I promise.) You
should also have paperwork on the furnace and all major
appliances if possible. The electric should be upgraded.
Outlets should be grounded, and any outlet within 6 feet
of water should have GFCI’s. Contact your electrician
if you don’t know what all this means. With today’s
technology, homebuyers are looking for your home to be able
to handle their electronic needs. Updated electrical may
also be a requirement from a government-backed loan such
as FHA or VA. A home inspector will tear it apart on his
report in red ink if it’s not reliable or done properly.
Hot water tanks should show no sign of rust. Having at least
a 40-gallon tank is optimal for keeping enough hot water
in the home for multiple showers. Hopefully the roof isn’t
that old. Buyers will ask about the roof and gutters. This
again, is a great time to provide that home inspection report.
- One last note.
I find particularly important. Whether you’re a cook,
have pets, or you’re just addicted to moth balls,
please make sure you do something about the air quality
and the home’s fragrance. Don’t be overbearing
or have it be noticed, but invest in febreze, boil cinnamon
sticks on the stove, clean drapes, bedding, carpeting, and
give your home a thorough -------- (I promised.)
Let me know if you would like for me to walk
through your home. I will gladly help you by being a second
or third eye. There’s of course a certain unique quality
to each home and decorating style. Some may or may not be
suitable for the average home buyer. I would be happy to
give advice targeted to your specific needs. Contact
me.
Other links of interest:
The Entire
Process
Your Home's Value
Real Estate Tips
Ohio Relocation
Showing Your Home
Your Privacy
Find a
Home
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