I have assembled a list of ways you can make your house sell for more money and stay on the market for less time. Many of these things cost you nothing and will help your home look its best and bring you more money!
First impressions are lasting What do buyers first see when they pull up to your house? Put garbage containers out of view, remove dead plants, trim trees and shrubs so that they are in their best shape. Remove clutter, sweep sidewalks, rake leaves. Re-seal your driveway to make it look new again.
De-clutter Remove or stow-away children's toys, knick-knacks, magazines. Remove all but a few well-placed items such as candles or plants on tables throughout the house. Kitchen countertops should display only 1 or 2 appliances at most. Remove or put under the cupboards all remaining appliances.
De-personalize Remove family photos on walls or tables. A new family wants to imagine what their family will look like in your house, not what your family looks like in the house. This includes whatever is hanging on the refrigerator!
Neutralize Fresh paint on the walls gives the house a fresh look. Paint neutral colors such as beige, tan, light browns, grays or greens.
Highlight Help sell your house by emphasizing the highlights in your house. Make fireplaces a focal point in a room by placing furniture so as to face the fireplace. Bay windows can be complimented by curtains or a nice seating area.
Curtains Update your curtains to compliment your freshly-painted walls. Clean lines sell best-do not use flower patterns to keep the material interesting to all buyers' tastes.
Kitchens and Baths sell If you have money in your budget to upgrade, put it into the bathroom or kitchen. New granite countertops and stainless steel appliances will earn you full return on your investment. Updated sinks, floors and vanities will make a bathroom shine.
Less is more Do not crowd rooms, especially smaller ones, with big bulky furniture. Remove larger pieces to allow the room to appear bigger. Older couches and chairs will look new with updated, clean slipcovers. Make sure all furniture fits the size of the room. Larger furniture pieces only work well in larger rooms.
Top it off Crown molding and chair rails can add a special touch to any room. Buyers enjoy little extras that make your house seem special.
Finish up If you have any outstanding projects waiting to be finished, finish them up. The buyer doesn't want to have to think about doing any work to the house when they move in. This includes simple things such as replacing burnt out light bulbs or fixing a dripping faucet.
