So you've decided it's time for you to make a change in your life, and relocate to a new city. You found the perfect place to live, got a new job and already found your favorite restaurant. You hired a real estate agent and put your house on the market. Now all that's left is the open house. But your
house looks lived in, it's not ready to be infiltrated by dozens of potential buyers. It's time to get to work setting the stage to sell.
Boost curb appeal.
When was the last time you power washed your siding? Probably never. The first thing potential buyers will see is the outside of your home. If they don't like it, they won't even bother looking at the inside. Make sure your home looks better than ever so even your neighbors think someone new has already moved in.
- Mow the lawn and add sod if you need to. Pull up any weeds.
- Plant fresh flowers and trim your shrubbery.
- Power wash siding, driveway, and walkways.
- Wash the inside and outside of front windows.
- Put up large, easy to see house numbers.
Create a welcoming entryway.
No matter how big your porch is or how small your stoop is, make the future occupants of your home feel welcome immediately. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint and tighten that loose doorknob. Put out a new clean welcome mat and potted flowers. If you have a porch, re-stain the wood and add a couple nice pieces of outdoor furniture. Don't overdo it though, you don't want it to be too crowded.
Clean everything and clear away clutter.
This is the most important step to make your home appealing. Get your home as sparkling clean as possible. Shine the floors, clean the counters, scrub the grout. Cover up stained furniture with slip covers or pillows. If your particularly big, you may want to
hire a professional cleaning service for this part. Clear off countertops and tables. Make sure your shelves look neat and organized. Even if the cluttered look is your style, it's not everyone's. The new owners will better be able to envision themselves living there if they have space to work with.
Show off your closet space.
Clean out and organize your closets. Visitors will peek inside you closets. Stay one step ahead by leaving the doors open and inviting them to look. Even if you have to take some things out, leave the closet partially empty to give off the idea of spaciousness.
Move personal belongings out of view.
This is especially important in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Unless it is in perfect condition, put it away. Make sure all beds are made and clothes and shoes are out of sight. You can leave a book on the nightstand for a personal touch as long as it doesn't make it look dirty or cluttered. In the bathroom, put away all toiletries and make sure that the soap is new and the garbage is empty. Get a new, clean shower curtain and new fluffy towels and bath mat.
Set the stage for the season.
If you're selling your house in spring or summer, highlight your outdoor space with a
garden or fire pit. Make your backyard inviting with new patio furniture or a hammock. In the winter and autumn months, create a cozy atmosphere by building a fire in your fireplace and baking cookies or brewing cinnamon apple cider.