Preparing the house for sale

Please note that I describe the process as though you are selling the house on your own. If you choose to accept the help of a real estate professional like me, I will guide you through these steps.

Curb Appeal

A homebuyer's first impression is based on his or her view of the house from the outside. Buyers like to do drive-bys. If the home's curb appeal is terrible, the majority of buyers won't make an appointment to go inside. So take a walk across the street and take a good look at your house and see how your house compares with those of your neighbors'.

Landscaping

Lawn should be evenly cut, freshly edged, well watered, and free of brown spots. Pull out those weeds; rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.

Exterior of the house

Power wash the exterior. It is often not necessary to repaint the exterior. If the house really requires a paint job, choose a color that fits well in your neighborhood. Check the gutters and eaves.

Inside the house

Check and repair plumbing and fixtures. Examine the ceilings and walls for peeling paint, crayon art by kids. Repair any problems with windows, doors, and flooring. Get carpets cleaned professionally. As far as possible put away family photos, sports trophies, collectible items, knick-knacks, and souvenirs. Pack the clutter in boxes and pile them away neatly in the basement.

Remodelling?

One question frequently asked by sellers is about remodelling. Should we redo the kitchen? Convert the covered patio into a sunroom? Should we change the vinyl floor to ceramic? And finally will we recoup our remodelling expenses when we sell the house? You are likely to recoup only a percentage of your remodelling expenses (see a recent estimate of how much of what you spend on remodelling can be recouped). But spending on money on improving the appeal of the house will help you sell the house at a higher price. (Read on) .

Move-in condition

This is what most buyers expect from their new home. It should be in move-in condition. Often buyers are turned off by a leaking faucet or torn wall paper than the lack of an expensive jacuzzi. Therefore, make sure that you take care of the small cosmetic updates before you plan any major ones.