SPRING CLEAN UP FOR YOUR HOME!

Preparing your home for sale is the most important part of selling your home.   When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price possible while investing as little as possible in renovations.  With a limited budget and little effort, you can greatly increase your homes appeal!   Pace yourself, take my advice, and if you follow these simple guidelines, you will receive the highest possible price for your home!   

1.) CREATE SPACE  

A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep.  In addition, have a garage sale for unnecessary items.  The best ways to de-clutter your home include: 

• The passageways of your home need to be free and clear. Your potential buyers want the hallways to be empty and easy to walk through. The same is true of entryways into every room.   
• Let your buyer see spacious closets. You will probably need to clean them out and pack away quite a bit of your own belongings in order to accomplish this.  I usually tell my clients to at least get rid of half of everything in their closets. Space does sell, and so closet and cabinet spaces that are only half-full or even empty work well.
• Clean off your counter tops completely. No dishes, no decorative items, no magazines, no books.  Just take a day and clear off all horizontal surfaces.  
• Cleanout and organize the garage, utility/workshop, office and basement to create work space
• Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
•  Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
• De-personalize rooms as much as you can.

2.)  CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyers perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyers decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include: 

• Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances. 
• Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies. 
• Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets. 
• Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout. 
• Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets. 
• Considering air fresheners, potpourri, scented candles and fresh flowers.

Consider opening the windows if it’s a nice enough day; what a lovely air that can bring to a home. If it’s kind of a “cozy up” and gloomy day, turn on the fireplace if you have one!

3.)  REPAIRS

The next buyer might be a handyman type, or he/she might have no clue on how to do home improvements.  Remember the small stuff does count, especially with first time-home buyers.  I recommend focusing on minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing to and including:

• Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
• Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
• Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
• Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
• Tightening door handles, draw pulls,  light switches and electrical plates.
• Lubricating door hinges and locks.

A “classic” home will sell, but an “old” home might not. Of course, some homebuyers are absolutely in the market for homes that are older and need renovation. But, typically, buyers want new, or at least current/up to date homes.  Replace and fix what you can. 

4.)  SHOWCASE THE KITCHEN

The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include: 

• Replacing cabinet doors and hardware. 
• Installing under-cabinet lighting. 
• Replacing light fixtures. 
• Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space. 
• Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.

5.)  STAGING

Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:

• Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups. 
• Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom. 
• Turning an awkward space into a home office or media room.
• Set the dining room table and add a centerpiece.
• Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub with candles. 

6.)  EXTERIOR APPEAL 

First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include: 

• Repairing and/or replacing trims and rotted wood, shutters, gutters, shingles, window screens, fences & mailboxes, walkways, stone walls and the driveway. 
• Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts. 
• Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
• Washing windows. 
• Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges. 
• Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property. 

7.)  LANDSCAPE  APPEAL

Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include: 

• Mowing and edging the lawn. 
• Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn. 
• Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
• Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges. 
• Weeding and mulching plant beds. 

8.)  INVITE, ENHANCE, & ADD FRESH TOUCHES 

INVITE

• The front entrance to your home should invite buyers to enter!
• Paint your front door in a glossy color that compliments the exterior.
• Place a welcome mat and seasonal plants and flowers by the entry. 

ENHANCE

• Create a sense of cheerfulness in your home through lighting!
• Open shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.

ADD FRESH TOUCHES

• You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches!
• Placing fresh floral arrangements on the mantel, tables, and in bedrooms
• Placing bright colored fruit bowls in the kitchen and family room. 
• Displaying fresh towels and new soaps in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Add color to any room with decorative accent pillows and candles.

I am happy to provide a complimentary home consultation and valuation! 

To schedule an appointment contact me:

Carole Tierney
REALTOR
Coldwell Banker - 56 South Street, Hingham MA
Cell 781-424-4197  Carole_Tierney@yahoo.com