MAKING YOUR HOME READY FOR SALE!
Compliments of: Cindy Strobel, Broker/Owner Resource Realty Services
The first thirty days that your home is offered for sale are the most important to you in terms of realizing a reasonably fast sale at a good market price. There are a number of things you can do to ensure that prospective buyers will be favorably impressed with your home. Here is an easy-to-follow checklist of time proven tips on how to get your home ready for sale.
Exterior
- Yard is mowed and edged.
- All refuse is collected and hauled away.
- Flower beds are cultivated.
- Exterior paint in good condition.
- Exterior walls are in good condition with any damaged wall boards replaced and bricks and mortar replaced as required.
- Roof is in good condition and repaired.
- All exterior lighting is in working order.
Interior
- Walls are clean and unmarked.
- Windows are clean inside and out.
- All plumbing is in good order; repair leaky faucets and stains.
- All doors should open and close easily and all hardwood is in place.
- Remove unneeded materials from attic, basement and garage.
- Kitchen is sparkling clean, countertops are uncluttered and all dishes are placed in cabinets.
- Every room is neatly arranged and unneeded materials are removed.
- All lighting fixtures and lamps have bulbs and are in working order.
Hints on Showing Your Home
- When possible, arrange for you and your family to be away from home during a showing. Prospects feel less like an intruder if the home is vacated and will take more time to thoroughly inspect your home.
- If you have a dog, be sure that it is penned up outside.
- Whether your home is being shown in the daytime or at night, always leave enough lighting on, both inside and out, to brighten every corner of your home.
- If it is necessary for you to be at home, we suggest that you allow us to direct the prospective buyer through the home. We are thoroughly familiar with the prospect’s needs and can emphasize their needs with your home’s amenities.
- Do not discuss with any prospect the terms, price, possession or other factors related to the sale of your home. We are in a better position to handle these matters.
If You Vacate Your Home Before it is Sold
- Make arrangements for property to be maintained, the grass cut and edged.
- Leave utilities on and set heating or cooling at comfortable level.
- Make sure your Realtor can contact you are at all times.
It is important to remember that in the central Virginia markets which include, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Richmond, King William, Henrico Counties such as Varina, Glen Allen and the West End of Richmond, that inventories are at an all time high. The nicer, more attractive amenities, and better your home stands out above the others you are competing with, the more chance you will have of getting your home sold quickly and at the highest possible price.
