Preparing to Sell Your House

Everyone wants to know how to get the most money for their house. It isn't based off of luck-you have a lot of control over how interested potential buyers are in your home. If you plan carefully and have the know-how, potential buyers will be much more likely to make an offer on your home.

Simplify!

Get rid of anything that clutters up your house. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven't used it in the past 6 months, you don't need it. There are always exceptions of course and you can put things away until you have sold your home. It is very important for your home to be as open and free of debris as possible. Put items that you can't part with out of site. Rent a storage unit if you need to, it will definitely pay off in the end. Try and keep each room open and spacious and make sure each room has a very clear purpose. Look at your home with an objective point of view. Try and view it from the potential buyers perspective. Try and let go of emotional ties you have with the home-after all, you will be moving out soon! Try and focus on where you are going next instead of dwelling on the past. This will make it much easier to get rid of things that may be blocking the way to your home's showing potential.

Pay attention to the details-your potential buyers will!

Try to meticulously organize cupboards and closets. Get everything in the best order you can. Hang hangers the same way, line up your shoes, stack things neatly in piles and label things in organized storage containers. This will help potential buyers to visualize their things being just as neatly organized in your home once it is theirs. This also shows buyers that you take care of your home. You can actually hire "home stagers". Professionals who find the potential locked away in your home and let it loose. This is a bit pricey, but may be worth it if you don't feel capable yourself.

Make sure it doesn't need any obvious repairs

Buyers will notice even simple problems with a home. Repair nail holes, scuffs and dented walls. Replace any burned out light bulbs and make sure you show your house with all of the lights on. This makes the home seem more bright and clean. Also, make sure there aren't any rooms or décor that are seriously outdated or out of style in your home. You don't want to have green shag carpet from the 70's! It will be well worth your investment to replace things of this nature. Try and get your home looking like it did when it was new.

CLEAN!!!

When you show your house, make sure that it is absolutely spotless. Everything should be in its place. Polish mirrors and faucets until they shine. Wash the windows inside and out. Clean your grout if it is dirty or recolor if it is faded or discolored. Touch up paint on the walls. Dust and get rid of any cobwebs. Keep the floor vacuumed and the carpet as clean as possible. Wash the baseboards and door and window moldings. Make sure the beds are made and the laundry is all folded and put away-or at least out of site! Keep the garage organized and consider painting the floor if it is very dirty or discolored. Step out your front door and check the curb appeal. Make sure the yard is always mowed and the bushes are trimmed. Keep the flower beds free of weeds and the yard clear of any debris, toys, etc. This can be challenging when you have small children! Basically, just keep it as absolutely clean as possible. This will be painful, but it will pay off in the end, I promise!

Make sure that potential buyers feel welcome in your home

The way they feel and the way you treat them can make or break the sale of your home. Be gracious and inviting. Offer them cookies or a drink, take their coat, smile at them and make conversation. Make sure you point out all of the good points that your home has and don't bother focusing on any negative aspects. They will take care of that for you.