Most Buyers are looking for a home that is clean and well cared for inside and out.
While general neatness and cleanliness go a long way toward selling a house, we have found that these are the "big three" that make a good impression.
The kitchen must be spotless. Pay strict attention to the stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. Keep the workspaces clear.
Bathrooms must not only be spotless but they must seem "fresh". Also, fix any broken putty in showers and tubs and remove mildew from caulking and grout.
Closets must be tidy and should not be over-crowded. Over-crowding closets gives the illusion of inadequate storage space.
These other tips will help you make your home even more appealing.
Lawns and yard should be free of clutter. Grass should be uniformly cut and the edges trimmed. Also, trim hedges and bushes and weed the garden.
The Exterior of the house itself, all trim and railings should be painted or washed as necessary. Fix any loose rails, drainpipes, screens, and steps. Wash the walls near drainpipe openings and spillways to remove stains.
Be sure that rain gutters are clean. Although leaves and dirt inside the gutters cannot be seen, if it rains and the water spills over the edge of the gutters while you are holding an open house, prospective buyers will see the problem as they drive up and will enter your house looking for other problems.
The garage should be straightened up and the doors painted and in good working condition. Weather-stripping should be in good condition.
Keep plumbing in good repair. There should be no leaky faucets or toilets.
Replace all burned out light bulbs and faulty switches. Be sure your fuse box is clean and has a cover.
Remove clutter from halls and stairwells to give them a wide appearance. Rooms will also appear larger when uncluttered.
Oil door hinges and tighten door knobs.
Repair minor defects like scuff marks or scratches on walls & floors.
Remove some furniture to make rooms look more spacious.
Liven up your house with plants and cut flowers.
Children, pets and adults can keep buyers from feeling at ease while they look through a home. For showings, keep pets out of the house or in the garage whenever possible.
Tell people which rooms benefit from sunshine, cooling breezes, etc.
Tell people what you like about the house, location, etc. Try to point out things that the buyer may not have considered (but don’t be too wordy as to distract the buyer).
Turn on all of the lights during a showing and do not turn them off until the buyers are gone.
Show with drapes open during the day, closed at night.
Always be certain that your house is "fresh". Strong odors from pets, cigarettes, cooking or mildew can ruin a sale.
Small cards or signs highlighting the special features of your home will ensure the buyer notices all of its benefits.
...an excellent method for avoiding extra stress on the family when your house is for sale is to use a "pick-up" basket. Items of clothing, books, letters, toys, etc., can be removed quickly following a call from a buyer. Stash the basket out of sight in a closet before the buyer arrives.