When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept.
Check your house’s curb appeal. This is where the prospective buyer initially will see your house. This forms the all-important first impression.
- Remove any clutter in your yard.
- Repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces.
- If your lawn has bald spots, apply some top dressing and re-seed. Prune trees and shrubs of dead wood. Weed and mulch flower beds, if you have them. If it is the right time of year, consider buying some flower-filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property. Make sure your lawn is mowed regularly. Ensure that the composter area is tidy.
- Are your windows and walls clean?
- Does your front door need paint?
- Ensure your eaves and downspouts are clear of debris and in good repair.
- Are your backyard deck and walkways clean? If not, use a power washer and do any necessary painting, staining or sealing.
- If you have a swimming pool, are the deck and pool clean (when in season)?
- Do all outside lights work? Replace any burned out bulbs, and clean fixtures of dirt and cobwebs.
- Is there a shed? Does it look presentable?
- Do windows and exterior doors need re-caulking? Even at 6-7 years of age, the caulking may be dried out and in need of replacement.
These are just some examples but make due-diligence as this has an impact on your buyer’s evaluation.