GETTING YOUR HOME “SHOW” READY. First Things First... Identify any items that need to be repaired or replaced before putting the home on the market. A good rule of thumb is: if it bothers you, it could bother the potential buyer. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and walk through each room to see what needs to be changed. Do areas look dirty, messy, or distracting? Clean the house from top to bottom. We have great references for house cleaners if you choose to outsource this task! Open curtains to let in natural light. Ensure that all holes in walls or chipped paint are properly patched and painted. Replace any burned out light bulbs. Clean light fixtures. Fix any dripping faucets. Declutter countertops. Pack up all valuables and prescriptions. Firearms, jewelry, collector items, and all other types of valuables should be safely stored. Remember your home will be on display to the public. Check carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms to ensure that they are in proper working order.
Look at each room and make sure that there is not too much furniture that could lead to the room feeling smaller than it really is. Remove any magnets and paperwork from the refrigerator. Clear any clutter in the bathroom and shower areas. Clean the oven and stovetop. Take down personal items, especially photos. Buyers are easily distracted and may pay more attention to your photos than the home itself. Clean windows are worth their weight in gold. Place packed boxes in the garage as it’s better to have a full garage than full house. Please do not block the electrical panel, water heater, attic access, or sprinkler box. When it comes time for an inspection, the inspector will not move any items in the way to get to these items. Clean out and organize the pantry and all closets. Don’t leave anything on the floor as we want to show all the square footage. Off season clothes should be packed and put away. Any other items that won’t be used can be packed away to make the spaces appear as large as possible. We recommend a pre-inspection before listing.
Pack up any knick knacks that can be distracting. Any area that looks messy or cluttered should be addressed. It’s never too early to start packing. Look at bookshelves, fireplace mantel, built ins, coffee tables, bedside tables, dressers, and other areas of the home that accumulate items. Acquisto Real Estate | acquistorealestate.com | 972-396-7512