A Few Tips Before You List Your Home For Sale....

If you are getting your home ready to sell, here is a list of a few key items that will save you time and money on the market. Statistics show that homes sell quicker and for more money when a little staging and updating are done up front.

• First, make sure your carpets are new, good quality, clean and neutral. Polish and clean all other types of flooring. Replace any flooring that is damaged or worn.

• A few rooms in the house should have fresh and neutral coats of paint.

• Make sure there are no visibly broken items in the house, such as windows. Repair any leaks or drips and fix anything that you have been meaning to get to — now is the time.

• Remove furniture when there is too much and place furniture where there is a need. Rooms should have a purpose. A bedroom should have a bed. A dining room needs to have a table and chairs.

• Replace any outdated light fixtures. Buy new and bright light bulbs. Think of bright as welcoming to buyers.

• Clear a path to the windows. Don't block the windows in the house with furniture, curtains, heavy drapes, large plants, etc. Clean the windows and show them. Remove drapes, open blinds and let the sun in.

• Check for any " smells" in your home. If you need to ask for a second opinion, ask for honesty. You may not know if your house has a pet odor, but that is an instant turn-off for buyers. Smoke, pets and smells from cooking can be much stronger than you realize.

• The kitchen is king. The kitchen should be neutral, very clean and bright. Replace old knobs and handles and invest in one expensive or upgraded appliance. This will give your home a feeling of quality. The kitchen sells the home 10 times out of 10!

• Clean and replace old grout in tiled areas. White grout needs to be white. Missing grout is as bad as moldy grout.

• First impressions are very important. You know the saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression — well, when selling a home, the front is where the first impressions are made. Cut back shrubs, remove weeds, paint anything that needs to be painted, power wash any grime or mold on siding and porches. Drive up to your home and take a good look. Whites should be white, lawns and plants should be neat. 

The best news is that these are all things you can do yourself for not much money.

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For more information, visit www.maripatking.com or e-mail Maripat at Rmaxmpk@aol.com.