Curb appeal is the first step in marketing a home.
Fixing up a house for sale requires more thought and preparation than it did during the real estate boom. Prices have dropped and it has become a buyer's market. That means that the seller has to stand out from the plethora of foreclosures and short sales. Fortunately, not all buyers are looking for fixer-upper houses. Many first time home buyers are searching for a house that is move-in ready.
Instructions
Evaluate the House
1. Look at the house from a buyer's point of view. If the curb appeal is less than desirable, buyers will either drive right by or present low-ball offers. If the interior is old, shabby or smelly, again, you will receive either low-ball offers or no offers at all.
2. Smell the house. If it smells like mold, pet urine or cigarettes, it needs a thorough cleaning before a buyer ever steps in the door. You may have to seal the floors and walls with a sealant-type primer before installing new flooring and painting.
3. Determine what repairs are necessary. If the roof leaks or there are broken windows, these must be repaired. If there are safety issues or pest problems, these must also be resolved before putting the house on the market.
4. Check with the local building permits office. If the garage conversion or patio room does not have permits, you need to know if it can be upgraded or if it must be torn down before a buyer sees it.
Fix It Up
5. Clean up the property. Trim or remove overgrown trees and bushes, mow the yards, wash the windows and power wash the exterior, driveway and sidewalk. Plant shrubs and flowers in the garden beds; toss grass seed on any bare spots in the lawn and water regularly.
6. Paint the entire house, inside and out. Depending on the style of the home, a new coat of a neutral color with bright white trim will dress it up nicely.
7. Install new laminate flooring or carpets. A glossy new laminate floor or fresh clean carpets will add value to the property. Paint or stain new baseboards to match the existing baseboards. However, if the house has original hardwood floors, refinishing the floors may be all that is needed.
8. Install new energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen. Do not buy the top of the line unless it is a luxury home. Less expensive appliances look good and work just as well as the more expensive brands. At the same time, take a good look at the cabinets and countertops. Painting the cabinets and installing new countertops will dress up the kitchen.
9. Make the bathrooms sparkle. Scrub everything down and then repeat. A new shower curtain, towels and accessories, along with the new paint, will make the bathroom look fresh and clean.
Sell the House
10. Select a realtor. Realtors are motivated, since they make their living selling houses. If your house does not sell, they do not get paid. An experienced realtor is a valuable resource, guiding you through the entire selling process.
11. Research current market prices and discuss with your realtor. Overpricing the house will ensure that it sits on the market for a long time.
12. Insist on featuring the house on the Internet. Many buyers are Internet savvy and search for properties on their own. Provide 10 to 20 good photos and a well-written description of the property, highlighting the new appliances, flooring, landscaping and so on. Including a floor plan may also attract buyers.
13. Light up the house. When buyers are on their way, make sure that the house is clean and all the lights are turned on inside. A bright, clean, fairly priced home will attract buyers.
14. Leave and let the realtor do his job. Take your pets and children with you. Buyers want to look at the house and speak freely about their likes and dislikes. If there is a question, the realtor can call you on your cell phone. Neither the buyers nor the realtor want you hovering in the background.
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