How to prepare your home for sale – 5 killer tips

Having people constantly traipsing through your home during last minute viewings can be difficult at best. Trying to have your home immaculately clean on a consistent basis can be exhausting. Having piles of laundry or mail sitting on the counter and random papers on the table will leave an overall messy impression. Be sure to de-clutter your coffee table, closets, drawers and storage areas under your sinks as well as the countertops. Remember, potential buyers are going to be opening up these closets and drawers to see how much room they have etc.

What your home says on the outside is often a reflection of what is happening on the inside. If you have dead or dying trees, plants or bushes, remove them. If your lawn is over grown and weedy, spend a weekend and fix it. Try adding some pops of color with some flower pots or a wreath on the front door to create a welcoming vibe. Fix any loose shudders, burnt out porch lights and repaint the front door or banister to provide a polished look.

A trick realtors often use during open houses is to place a pot of water on the stove top to simmer with a few drops of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon in it. This signals the olfactory nerve in our brain to think of sweet things such as freshly baked cookies and delicious memories often associated with cozy, happy homes. So the next time the realtor calls and says they are on their way with potential buyers, get those pleasant yet subtle smells brewing.

It may seem weird to take down some of your personal photos and make your home more “sterile” looking; however, studies show that potential buyers want to view a partially blank canvas as this helps them view your home with their own belongings in mind. If you have an engraved name sign at the driveway, consider removing it. If you have a wall of family photos, consider choosing 3 of your favorites and putting the rest away.

While you may adore your lime green bedroom and your purple carpet, many potential buyers may not be so keen. If you have wall to wall bold colors, consider toning it down a notch. Consider keeping one feature wall and painting out the remaining area. If many of your accent items are loud and multi-patterned, (drapes, curtains, rugs, shower curtains, throw pillows, table cloths etc), consider streamlining the look with solid colors.

If you are unsure where to start, simply walk outside and observe your home. Take a pen and paper and jot down the first things that come to mind that could use improvement. Next, go from room to room and tackle one area at a time. Before you know it, your home will be ready to sell!