First impressions are so important in selling your home.
Make
sure it looks its best.
Outside Appeal An attractive exterior is the key to bringing the most prospective buyers
to your doorstep.
Here are some ways to improve the "curb appeal" of
your home
Keep the lawn trimmed and fertilized.
During winter months, keep snow and ice removed from driveway, sidewalks
and steps.
Shape up the shrubs.. Some new decorative stones or woodchips might
help, too.
Weed flower beds and add charm by putting a flower in a pot by the
door.
Remove oil stains from driveway.
Put a new coat of paint on the front door and trim if it's needed.
Clean and straighten sagging drain gutters.
Repair stray or warped roofing shingles.
Cleaning
Begin with thorough cleaning. Sort out the things you no longer want.
Hold a garage sale and convert that "stored cash" into needed repairs.
Sweep the basement and garage floors.
Wash windows and screens.
Clean and neatly arrange closets and cupboards, which look bigger with
less clutter.
Make your kitchen appliances shine.
Wash walls and woodwork.
Tile and grouting should be free of soap film.
Clear off countertops to make the kitchen look spacious and neat.
Decorating
Decorating helps assure that you will get top dollar for your home.
Your decorating list should include:
Give rooms that need paint a fresh coat, of a neutral color.
Re-stain or paint chipped woodwork.
Any torn or soiled wallpaper, carpeting or draperies should be replaced
in a neutral shade.
Arrange your window treatments to allow maximum light into rooms.
Flowers will make your home more attractive.
A seasonal door decoration adds warmth.
A new shower curtain can perk up a bathroom.
Repairing
Minor flaws in your home suggest negligence to a buyer.
Your repair
list should include:
Check windows for working order.
Fix any leaky faucets and toilets.
Make sure closet and cupboard doors close properly.
Put the garage in working order.
Inspect the furnace, humidifier, and water heater.
Touch up paint, repair plaster and putty nail holes.
Make sure your doorbell is working properly.
Badly scratched hardwood floors should be polished or refinished.
Open House Preparation
Remember the importance of first impressions.
Pretend you're a buyer
seeing your home for the first time.
Put out a door mat.
Remove all clutter.
Make the beds.
Put a fresh tablecloth on the dining room table.
Use lighting to create a living atmosphere.
Turn on soft music, turn the television off.
Remove all signs of a pet.
Have as few members of the family as possible present at the open house.
Open windows to air out any stuffy rooms.
Avoid unpleasant cooking odors.
What Next?
Your Old Northwest Land Co. Sales Associate is a professional backed by
our solid marketing plan and commitment to service. When it comes
to attracting buyers, negotiating and completing a sale, no one can provide
better or more complete service than Old Northwest Land Company Realtors.
