May 22nd, 2019 11:23 AM by NE TEXAS REALTY GROUP
Clear it out and clean it up
The first step in preparing any home for sale is to clear it out and clean it up, getting rid of clutter and personal items and scrubbing it down.
De-cluttering -- and having a pristine home from top to bottom -- are the no-brainers that can make your real estate look better than the house down the block. Your home must be cleaner and less cluttered than it's ever been. You need to banish not just the day-to-day buildup (the mail, the shoes, last season's clothes, the dog hair), but also several years' accumulation.
Removing kids' toys, outdated furnishings, and excessive knickknacks can help. Whatever you can't sell or donate, box up and store at a friend or relative's house, or rent a storage unit for a couple of months. Or, if you can do so neatly and without compromising your garage space, stack them along a wall.
Depersonalize
A house that reflects your personal style from floor to ceiling and all over the walls (and every other surface) will have a hard time appealing to buyers.
Prospective buyers won't be able to picture themselves in the house if they're surrounded by dozens of photos of your children and grandparents.
Update the bathroom
Not everyone has the funds for a big bathroom renovation prior to selling. Smart changes can make a big difference.
Avoid dated tile by painting. Bathrooms sell houses, but dated tile in a bathroom doesn't. A low-cost alternative to replacing the tile is to use paint. First coat the tiles with a high-adhesion primer.
Next, brush on a special ceramic epoxy covering. For a fraction of the cost of new tile, you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in big bucks.
Pay attention to design details
After you've cleared away the clutter, you want to focus on creating simple, elegant designs. It's easier than it seems.
For a visual impact on a table without a lot of fuss, remember a design basic: Groupings of odd numbers always do the trick! Three of a kind, like…hurricane jars, filled with something as simple as pinecones, makes a ridiculously easy and dynamic table scape.
Up your curb appeal
Make sure you make a great first impression, or you might not have an opportunity to make a second impression.
You may have spent hours making sure the kitchen is clean, and doing so is worth the effort. But remember, the facade is the first part of your house a potential buyer will see. A little landscaping can go a long way. Strapped for time? Potted plants placed around the front door will add welcome charm to your entryway.
Pay attention to odors
We get used to our environment, so we might notice that musty smell or cat box aroma. Have your realtor or a trusted friend do a walk through and give you an honest assessment—not just of the way the house looks, but how it smells. Then take action to improve it. Start by steam cleaning the carpets and any upholstered pieces that need it.
Don't ignore the windows
Windows that are cloaked by outdated or heavy window coverings can negatively impact the image your home projects. Open the blinds and replace drapes with inexpensive versions that will let the light in and frame the views.
Upgrade the Furniture
Giving your home a fresh, clean look with new furniture can make it feel more modern and appeal to more buyers. Don't have money for new stuff? Try giving worn-out pieces a pick-me-up with new pillows or a slipcover.
While you're at it, take a look at your furniture layout too. Your preferred setup may not be the most appealing one to would-be buyers. Where logical, opt for a social layout that makes it easy to envision the space being enjoyed among family and friends.
Give rooms a single purpose
That home office that doubles as a guest room is useful, but when it comes time to sell your home, pick one and run with it. Potential buyers are confused by extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses.
