Keep the lawn mowed and flowers watered while your home is on the market.
When you're ready to sell your home, start thinking like a buyer. Spend the time to create the vision of a well cared for, spacious home with plenty of room for all the buyer's family photos and favorite possessions. Spruce up the exterior, clear away the knickknacks and plug the drips before the pounding in the "For Sale" sign. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean your home, including all the closets and cabinets. Shampoo the carpets, steam clean the tile and grout, dust all light fixtures and wash all the windows and mirrors. Once the house is on the market keep the beds made, the sinks empty and shiny, the counters cleared and wiped, the laundry hampers empty and the furniture dusted.
2. Remove clutter on inside and out to make your home seem more expansive. Throw or pack away things your family is not using every day. To make closets feel larger, organize the contents neatly, without untidy stacks or tightly packed clothing. Clear counters in the bathrooms and kitchen to make the space feel larger. Pick up outside toys and tools. Rent a storage unit if necessary to clear out the home.
3. Spend a little money to make money. Fix anything that is broken or worn. Check light switches, fans, doors, plumbing and any flooring that needs repair. Make a big difference with small updates; switch out knobs and pulls on dated cabinets or add a fresh coat of neutral paint. Outside, replace broken windows or siding, check all exterior lights and fix cracked cement walkways or steps.
4. Make a good first impression with clear walkways and bright flowers. Add seasonal flowers around the mailbox and sidewalks. Keep the grass mowed, the walkways edged and the shrubs trimmed.
5. Make your home smell nice. Control animal smells from litter boxes and damp dogs. If the house is closed up, use slow-release air fresheners. If a buyer is coming, pop frozen cinnamon rolls or bread in the oven.
Tags: your home, feel larger
