Think clean – Sparkle sells! Buyers are quick to eliminate homes that do not show pride in ownership. Bring in a top notch cleaning crew for a deep cleaning.
Take out all the screens in your home and stack them together out of the way either in the garage or the basement.
Bring in a window cleaning crew – they are not expensive and can clean inside & out, plus they can do the exterior eaves and light fixtures.
Wash or paint walls that need to be touched up.
Remove finger prints around light switches.
If the carpet is in good condition – have it professionally cleaned prior to listing the property.
Replace all burnt out light bulbs and be sure to increase the wattage for areas with dim lighting.
Clear off the kitchen counters – a few decorative items and your toaster & coffee pot are the only necessary items that a buyer should see.
Granite is the preferred counter top for kitchens today. If you do not have solid surface, consider adding it to the center island for an updated custom look. Be sure to use a common granite that can easily be matched. If you are unable to do this, offer an allowance for the buyer to install this product on their own after closing.
If your closets are crammed buy clear plastic containers that you can stack in a storage area. Make sure the floors are clear and that items fit loosely in closets. If a buyer sees that the closets are over filled, then they begin to think there is not enough storage for their personal items.
Pressure wash driveways, and the front entry.
Update light fixtures. Brass is out – bronze finishes are the trend in today’s market.
Update the kitchen with bronze cabinet hardware.
If the hardwood floors are scratched bring in a floor refinisher.
Replace worn and tired carpet with neutral colors.
If the carpet is buckling bring in a specialist to re-stretch it.
Check the crown molding – if it is pulling away from the ceiling or walls, bring in a professional painter and re-caulk. Most of the time, this can be down without repainting the trim.
First impressions are created at the front door. Replace the kick plate on the door, and the door hardware if it is badly tarnished. Fresh paint and hardware updates are inviting. Be sure to keep the steps clean and free of debris.
A welcome mat is always inviting at the entry way.
Is your landscaping over grown and needing to be replaced? Trim it back as far as possible and remove seriously overgrown shrubs at the front door. Replace a few with new shrubs and add new mulch for a crisp look.
Are you overloaded with family pictures – take them down and pack them in a special container for the move.
Be sure to take all pictures and magnets off the kitchen refrigerator.
Silk trees and new bedding can add a fresh new look to the interior and can move with you. Consider bedding with solid colors rather than busy patterns that may not appeal to everyone.