In this troubling real estate market, buyers have their pick of a huge inventory of homes, no matter how low their price range. As a homeowner trying to sell with foreclosures in every neighborhood, you must have a competitive edge. But how can I do that and pay my mortgage, you ask? Here I share 10 tips (half free, half affordable) that will help you get your house primed for sale.
Landscape Many homes in the market are bank owned, thus, unattended. Simple maintenance to your yard and landscaping will build your home's "curb appeal." Raking your leaves, shoveling snow, trimming your hedges and weeding your flower beds conveys a cared-for home that will stand out in a buyer's mind. Investing only your sweat equity in the home will net a return when your home is compared against several others.
Declutter Space and storage is usually high on a buyer's list of priorities. While you might be a busy cook who prefers that all of her cookware and utensils are within arm's reach, a minimalist approach might make your kitchen appear larger. The more organized and less congested you can make your home, the better. First, inventory anything occupying your closet and cupboard space. Sell, toss or donate anything that you can part with. If you can't part with items that are rarely used, they should be organized into a couple of well-labeled boxes and stored in the basement, garage or attic as you try to sell your home.
Now, scan every surface area of your home that a buyer will see and remove all the non-decorative items. In the bathroom, your toiletries, hairbrushes, dryers and irons should be in a basket out of sight. If you have razors, toothbrushes or prescriptions, they should not be in plain sight. If you have kids, you know there's a fine line between a few toys and the McDonald's funland. Have a laundry basket you can load up and toss in a closet out of sight when buyers visit. The same goes for video games, DVDs, books and magazines. Clean out a dresser and designate one drawer to each family member to use when buyers tour.
Landscape Many homes in the market are bank owned, thus, unattended. Simple maintenance to your yard and landscaping will build your home's "curb appeal." Raking your leaves, shoveling snow, trimming your hedges and weeding your flower beds conveys a cared-for home that will stand out in a buyer's mind. Investing only your sweat equity in the home will net a return when your home is compared against several others.
Declutter Space and storage is usually high on a buyer's list of priorities. While you might be a busy cook who prefers that all of her cookware and utensils are within arm's reach, a minimalist approach might make your kitchen appear larger. The more organized and less congested you can make your home, the better. First, inventory anything occupying your closet and cupboard space. Sell, toss or donate anything that you can part with. If you can't part with items that are rarely used, they should be organized into a couple of well-labeled boxes and stored in the basement, garage or attic as you try to sell your home.
Now, scan every surface area of your home that a buyer will see and remove all the non-decorative items. In the bathroom, your toiletries, hairbrushes, dryers and irons should be in a basket out of sight. If you have razors, toothbrushes or prescriptions, they should not be in plain sight. If you have kids, you know there's a fine line between a few toys and the McDonald's funland. Have a laundry basket you can load up and toss in a closet out of sight when buyers visit. The same goes for video games, DVDs, books and magazines. Clean out a dresser and designate one drawer to each family member to use when buyers tour.
Ref: associatedcontent.com
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