Preparing a home for sale: The dos and don’ts
Painting, minor repairs and deep cleaning are key
When it comes time to prepare a home for sale, there are a number of quick and affordable fixes that can help seal the deal, while some so-called improvements may sink a sale.
When it’s time to put your home on the market, there are some definite dos and don’ts.
DO:
• Give your home a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are one of the top selling features for potential buyers. • Make minor repairs. Many homeowners see even minor repairs as worry and work. • Kennel pets during showings. Many potential buyers will not purchase a home occupied by a pet. • Consider replacing a roof. Many potential buyers view this as a big ticket item. The fact that your home has a new roof will be a selling feature. • Repaint your home’s exterior. Typically every five to 10 years is a great time to repaint a home. • Exterior fixes such as replacing siding or repainting can go a long way.
DON’T:
• Install expensive finishes or fixtures for selling purposes. Many times, potential buyers will want to add their own personal touch as far as improvements. • Forget the power of home staging. Home staging is one of the most powerful selling tools in which a property is staged or styled in order to be presented in its best possible light. • Forget to have your property professionally cleaned. This will make a huge visual impact. • Forget the selling power of kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms still sell homes, so if you are looking for ideal places to place your investment dollars, this is a strong choice. • Forget to neutralize and depersonalize, from removing personal paint or carpet colours to personal design choices. A neutral palette is most attractive for selling. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com http://www.cathyhobbs.com.