Get Your Home in Shape to Sell

by Stephen Swart

What to do when you are ready to sell your house

So, you've decided to sell your house. Whether you are looking to retire somewhere warm, downsizing, or needing a place with more space before you can move on, you probably need to sell your existing house. Your house doesn't have to be perfect to sell, but here are some tips on ways to improve your home in the eyes of the buyers.

First Impressions Count

Do you ever recall driving by that house where the grass and bushes are all overgrown? How about broken shutters or a beat-up front door? The front yard and exterior are the gateway to your home. An unkempt look will often mean potential buyers never leave the car and seal the deal regardless of how lovely your house is on the interior. The first step to selling your house is: do the yard work all around but especially in front. Make sure the lawn and bushes are properly trimmed. Plant a flowerbed or put in flower planters to add color and interest. Consider removing any outside slides, swings, or playhouses unless they are in good shape and go with the property. Also, fix or replace any shutters or other exterior fixtures that are broken. In fact, a modern light fixture at the front door is an inexpensive change that will have a big impact. If the walkway or entry is dirty, a good power wash can make it sparkle like new. Finally, consider painting the front door darker or brighter in gloss or semi-gloss to add a pop to the entryway.

To Paint or Not to Paint…That is the Question.

The answer is always maybe. Painting, according to USA Today, can increase sales price from one to three percent, so deciding to paint should be based on the value and expected return on your home. If the exterior is in good shape, painting is not likely a good investment of time and money, but if the paint is dull, chalky, and chipped or damaged, it might be time to make that consideration. If the exterior is simply dirty, a power wash could just do the trick without painting. As for interiors, buyers are trending toward white and light neutral colors with greys and blues trending. If you have rooms with dirty paint or dark colors, especially in highly trafficked areas like the kitchen and living areas, fresh paint is a really good idea.

The Little Fixes Make All the Difference

There are so many opportunities to make little changes in your house that make big impacts. First off, fix all of those leaky faucets, cracked windowpanes, and broken or dirty light switch plates in your home. These are generally small, inexpensive DIY fixes but things buyers really notice. If you have old or outdated fixtures or ceiling fans, consider updating them. These are also generally inexpensive changes that really are an opportunity to take what would be a negative impression and turn it into positive focal points for your potential buyers. YouTube has lots of DIY step-by-step instructions should you wish to make these changes yourself.

Big Jobs

Kitchen and bath renovations are the most expensive, but also offer the greatest return on your investment. Kitchen redesigns can cost on average anywhere from $25-$100 per square foot but, based on a report from Remodeling. HW.net, can return 81-93% in value. Time frames are generally three to six weeks, but your mileage may vary based on design complexity and appliances. The average bathroom renovation runs between $6,000 and $15,000, but can go much higher. One way to limit costs is to try to maintain the existing footprint. That way, expensive plumbing and electrical connections don't have to be moved. Also, refacing the cabinetry, new countertops, fixtures, and new appliances can provide a simple, faster update without the costs and headaches of a major renovation.

Time to Declutter

Your stuff is wonderful, well wonderful to you anyway. However, not everyone will see your collection of sports memorabilia, plates, antique shoes, etc., in the same light as you do. If you want to sell, it's time to pack away all the clutter. It's OK to have a tasteful accent piece here or there to provide interest, but most of it needs to go. Also, depersonalize by removing family or other personal photos. Potential buyers need to see and imagine themselves living there in your home, and with too much of your stuff there, they can’t.

Set the Stage

OK, after you declutter, you need to go further. Rooms should feel open and light. That means you should embrace the principle of less is more, furniture should fit the space, window coverings should enhance and let in light, and when in doubt, lighter is better than darker. If you can, replace dark couches and other big