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It is important to teach her
home in tip top shape before putting
it on the market because:
- When buyers see two homes
with the same price, they pick
the one in better condition.
- When homes have great appeal
to buyers, they tend to sell
more quickly, bring a higher
price and usually prove to be
more problem-free.
- The property will be shown
the most during its first few
weeks on the market. Buyers
are waiting for the ride home
to come along and you want your
house to really shine for these
buying prospects. After the
first few weeks, you will be
waiting for new buyers rather
than the buyers waiting for
you.
It is easy for some people to
make their homes look like a model,
but for most of us he takes a
little work. Here are some tips
to make your home or appealing,
without spending a lot of money:
OUTSIDE
- Trim overgrown shrubs and
trees. They should be lowered
so that buyers can see your
windows. Trees should be pruned
so you can walk under.
- If ivy is growing on your
home, remove it.
- Keep your lawn in good shape.
Throw some fertilizer on to
make the grass greener.
- Weed your flower beds. If
your garden area is sparse,
consider planning a few flowers
in bloom to brighten up the
area.
- Your front porch should be
inviting. Consider placing some
flowerpots and lush flowers
on the porch. If your door is
dull, give it a fresh coat of
paint. It is said in some cultures
that painting you do a rare
that will help you sell your
home faster. It's up to you!
- Pay attention to the little
things - Replace a broken door
bell, lubricate squeaky hinges,
sweep the porch area and put
out an inviting welcome mat
(which also helps keep your
floors cleaner!)
- If your home has a wood or
vinyl exterior, a good power
wash will do wonders for its
curb appeal.
- Wash your outside windows
with the power sprayer and remove
any cobwebs.
- Remove all firewood, boxes
and other "termite food"
from under all decks and crawlspaces.
In addition to attracting termites
to your house, these can more
easily become infested with
termites. Even though the termites
may not have yet moved to the
house structure itself, their
presence in debris beneath decks
and crawlspaces will require
extensive termite treatment
at your expense.
INSIDE
- Clean your carpet and polish
wood floors and vinyl.
- Wash the windows inside, taking
care to also clean the sills,
blinds and window treatments.
- If your home has a smell,
air it out! You can't always
tell, but if you have the kitty
litter box, a dog bed or if
you smoke, you may want to open
the windows and doors to let
some fresh air in.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs
Get additional lighting such
as a halogen lamp for extra
dark rooms. Pull the drapes
and blinds open each morning
before leaving.
- Clean out the garage and basement.
You want those areas to look
as large as possible.
- Organize closets said that
they look ample. You should
be able to see the floor and
the ceiling.
- Clean the oven, refrigerator,
dishwasher and sink so that
they look new.
- Clean the bathrooms - Grout
should be cleaned; bathtubs,
sinks and showers should be
freshly caulked. Go ahead and
fix any leaky faucets. Invest
in a light-colored or clear
shower curtain and some special
"guest towels". Clear
the counter tops of personal
products or store in baskets
that can be removed before showings.
- Take down posters and organized
toys so that they are easy to
pick up for showings.
- Got a fireplace? Keep it free
of ashes.
- Polish woodwork to cover scratches
and make wood more attractive.
- If your home is exceptionally
cluttered, consider having a
yard sale or donating some of
your stuff to charity. When
your home does sell, you'll
have less packing to do then
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