It’s that time of year again. The clocks have been moved for daylight savings time, the maple trees are being tapped, and people are starting to think about house-hunting. If you are planning to put your home on the market, now is the time to prepare it for listing. Here are some of the most important things you can do to present your home at its best.
You have only one chance to make a good first impression. An attractive exterior invites potential buyers to take a look inside, but an unkempt one may turn them away. To better understand the idea of curb appeal, drive around and observe which houses, no matter the size, are appealing and which ones are not. Which ones would you like to see more of? Which ones leave you cold? Now, take a fresh street-view look at your own house.
Can you clearly see your front door and windows? If not, trim back overgrown shrubbery that may obscure them. Shrubs and plants should be no higher than the window sills. The steps, landing and porch should be in good repair and free of clutter. Take care of cracks or discoloration on the driveway and sidewalks. The front yard should be neat, shrubs and branches trimmed, leaves raked. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, and a seasonal wreath, say “welcome”.
Once potential buyers are inside, there’s another make-or-break first impression: Does the house look spacious or cramped? Bright or dingy? Your goal is to make them want to see more, not stop them in the entryway.
It doesn’t cost a cent to declutter, but the payoff is huge. Get rid of all that stuff that accumulates everywhere and pack away things you want to keep but don’t need to have on display. Donate or sell items that you’re not planning to move. Room by room, here are some tips.
Kitchen: Remove everything from the countertops except the bare necessities. All your appliances don’t need to be on the counter. Pack away excess cabinet and drawer contents to highlight the amount of storage space available. Don’t forget the refrigerator! Remove magnets, calendars, notes and photos from the doors, and everything sitting on top. Pare down the cleaning products you store in the cabinet under the sink.
Bathrooms: Put away personal items like toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes and makeup. Remove extra bottles of shampoo and conditioner from the shower and tub. As in the kitchen, minimize the contents of the cabinet under the sink.
Living room: Get rid of piles of magazines and newspapers. Clear off end tables, the coffee table and the fireplace mantel.
Bedrooms: Clear off the dresser and nightstands. It’s okay to leave out alarm clocks, lamps and a few decorative items, but put away the personal stuff that can collect there. Put away jewelry and other valuables for safekeeping.
Laundry room: Remove items that landed there but don’t belong there. Neaten shelves and remove everything from the tops of the washer and dryer.
Whole house: Put away family photographs, trophies, and knickknacks. Potential buyers want to envision your home as their own. Pack up excess clothing, sports equipment and other items from closets. You want to show how much space is available, not how much you have been able to cram in there.
Don’t forget the garage and basement. Make them look spacious by getting rid of junk and the things that you won’t be taking with you. If you have a lot of things stored there that you will be moving, consider renting a storage unit.
Sometimes we get so used to things that we don’t see them as clutter. Even when you think you’re finished it may help to have a friend look at things with fresh eyes to help you see what potential buyers will see. Take some photos and be honest with yourself about what they reveal.
Clean everything!
This goes way beyond your usual weekly tasks. We’re talking deep cleaning, not just a wipe-down.
Kitchen: Scour the stovetop and clean the oven, including the oven racks. Clean the countertops and backsplashes, and inside the cabinets and under the sink. Remove smudges and fingerprints from the refrigerator door.
Bathrooms: Scrub the shower, tub and sink until they shine. Your local hardware store can suggest products to help brighten discolored tile grout. Recaulk around the shower and tub if necessary. Clean inside the vanity and medicine chest.
Odds and ends: Vacuum inside the closets now that they’re less cluttered! Dust baseboards, ceiling fans, the tops of door frames, and window sills. Wash the windows inside and out. Clean the fireplace and the screen or glass doors. Wash the floors. Have the carpets cleaned. Remove fingerprints and smudges from walls and doors, or better yet, paint.
A fresh coat of paint does wonders to brighten up a home. Choose a neutral but think beyond boring “builder’s beige.” There are many choices, from cool or warm grays to shades of tan and taupe.
Fix that small stuff, inside and outside. Does the toilet run? Do the faucets drip? Replace burned-out light bulbs and rusty light fixtures. Inspect windowsills, door jambs, decking, steps, and outside trim and replace any rotted wood.
Staging makes a room look bigger and more appealing. First, remove a piece or two of furniture (remember that storage unit). You want the room to look spacious but not stark. Aim for a balance.
Set a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter and a vase of fresh flowers in the kitchen, dining room, or even the bathroom for a pop of color. Put new hand towels and a basket of fluffy new towels in the bathrooms, and new bedspreads and pillows in the bedrooms. Rearrange the living room furniture into a conversation-friendly grouping.
(Licensed realtor Susan Roemer has over 20 years of experience and can advise you in all stages of sale preparation.)