Preparing To Show

In the time leading up to when you'll actually be showing your home to buyers, there are a lot of things you can do to make sure your home shows well.

Clean

It may seem obvious, but show your home well by keeping it clean. Buyers want to see a home that looks new and well-kept. Make sure bathrooms sparkle, keep counter-tops clear, vacuum, wipe surfaces clean, and shampoo carpets. On the exterior, power wash deck, sidings, and walkways. If necessary, hire a professional cleaning service. It will likely be the best money you ever spend. Also, make sure your home smells good. Use carpet deodorizers, air fresheners, and candles throughout the home if necessary. Open windows for ventilation and fresh air. Even consider placing fresh flowers around the home. It can create inviting, fresh scenery and brightens up the home.

Clear Clutter

Clutter hurts the sale of a home. Most buyers are distracted by clutter and unable to appreciate the home it's in. Rooms appear smaller, and even a clean home seems neglected when crowded with items.

For this reason, store any clutter you can. That means using your garage or attic. Your home will seem more open, neat, and inviting to potential buyers. Even better, you could hold a garage sale - clearing out some of your unneeded belongings will make for an easier move while putting money in your pocket.

Cut the Grass

Maintain a neat exterior - it's the first and last thing a potential buyer sees when he or she visits your home. In fact, many buyers will drive by a home to scout it before ever attempting to contact the seller. The exterior of your home can either draw buyers in for a closer look or cross your home off their lists.

That means you should cut the grass, trim hedges and trees, clean up litter, rake leaves, shovel snow, or even plant flowers depending on the season. Remember - the first impression is often the lasting one. Many people know they like a home right when they pull up!

Organize Closets

An important aspect for many buyers is storage space. Organized closets seem bigger and buyers are less likely to worry about space for their belongings.

Minor Maintenance

Perform any minor maintenance tasks you can to improve the overall look of your home. For example, you could replace grout and caulk in your bathrooms to make the tiles look newer. Details go a long way!

Brighten the Home

Windows are a huge part of the ambience of any room. Be sure to clean windows and windows screens to let in as much light as possible. Use window treatments accordingly. Doing so lends to an open, airy home that seems larger and cleaner.

For the same reason, turn on lights throughout the home before buyers arrive. A well-lit home makes rooms seem bigger and more inviting.

Paint

If necessary, consider painting the interior of your home. It's a quick and inexpensive way to really boost the home's appearance. Use neutral, soft colors, such as white. They cater to general rather than personal taste and make rooms seem bigger and cleaner.

Photos

Set up an album or a laptop with a slideshow featuring photos of your home in other seasons or aspects of the home you want to draw attention to. For example, in the winter, a buyer might like to see how great the yard and gardens look in the spring. You can add anything you feel is worth showcasing, and it costs almost nothing to do!