In today’s sluggish real estate market sellers must rise above average to attract buyers.  Here are a few ideas to help prepare your home for the market.

1. Declutter! Go through every room in the house with a large trash can at your side.  Separate what will be donated from what gets discarded.  This process is especially needed in bathrooms and kitchens.  Clear kitchen countertops of cookbooks, papers, knickknacks, leaving only a few necessary (like a spoon rest) items in sight.  If you can’t completely clear bathroom countertops, organize and place whatever is to be left on a tray.  You will appreciate this process when it comes time to move.

2. Have your home inspected before it goes up for sale.  Hire an ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified inspector.  Click here to find one in your area.  Be proactive and address needed repairs and recommendations.  This will prove to be an effective marketing tool, well worth the cost of the inspection.  It will also help to speed up the closing date, saving you money in the long run.

3. Do the obvious. If the carpet in your home is dated and worn, replace it!  If there are drywall or stucco cracks in need of repair, do it!  These things will only be distractions to a buyer, possibly turning them away from making an offer.  Remember competition is stiff.

4. Remove personal items.  Try to make your home show like a model.  Put away family photos and try to take a minimalist approach to decorating.  Invest in low cost designer touches like pillows and throws, vases and artificial floral arrangements.

5. Pastels are out-Nuetrals are in.   Use paint color to promote warmth and freshness to update and make your home more appealing.

6. What’s your curb appeal?  Clean up the outside of your home by trimming trees and shrubs, removing weeds, and washing windows.

Taking these steps will help to set your home apart and reward you with a shorter market time, a hassle-free inspection period, and most importantly, higher net proceeds on the sale.  If your property is in the luxury home category, I suggest hiring a staging company enhance your home’s market presence. 

Denise McCreary