TIPS FOR SELLERS
Time Tested Tips For Selling Your Home

OUTSIDE: Good "Curb Appeal" is imperative.  If buyers don't like your house
from the outside, they won't want to come inside.

  1. Make sure your front lawn looks neat and tidy to make the first impression
    favorable.  Cut the grass and trim the hedges and shrubs.  Rake the lawn and
    sweep the driveway and sidewalks.
  2. Plant some extra flowers for color - or just put some pots beside the front door.
  3. Walk your fence line.  Repair broken areas and paint or stain spots in poor
    condition.
  4. Put away lawn equipment.  Arrange outdoor items, such as firewood or
    outdoor furniture neatly.
  5. Take a close look at your front door.  It's a focal point and one of the first
    things your prospects will examine.  If it's faded or shows signs of needing
    repair, clean it, stain it, or paint it.  While you're at it, do the same with the
    back door and garage door.
  6. Look over the siding on your home.  Clean off dirt and algae.  Repaint where
    needed.
  7. Replace faded house numbers with shiny new brass ones.
  8. If needed, repaint or replace the mailbox.
  9. Clean out debris in your rain gutters.
  10. Check roof for shingles or flashing that needs replacing.
  11. Fix any broken windows or screens, and wash them for a bright, sparkling
    appearance.
  12. Test the entry light and the doorbell.  It's the little things that matter.
  13. Haul out any "junk" in your side or back yard.
  14. Clean out the garage.  The perfect garage contains only cars - do your best.
INSIDE: After you've tackled the exterior of your home, head inside.  The
goal here is to make everything look more spacious, more organized,
brighter, warm and homey.

  1. No matter what the season, do your spring cleaning.  Clean houses sell a lot
    easier than dirty ones.
  2. About the cheapest way to make rooms seem warmer and brighter is by
    buying higher intensity light bulbs, putting them in every lamp in the house,
    and then turning them on.  Also, always open drapes and angle blinds to
    brighten rooms.
  3. Brighten walls with fresh paint.  White, off-white, or beige walls make a room
    look bigger and lighter.
  4. Move out excess furniture, especially worn and outdated pieces, to make the
    rooms seem larger and uncluttered.
  5. Clean, clean, clean!  Closets, draperies, appliances, carpets, windows and
    mirrors.
  6. A grungy bathroom will kill sales.  Make each bath look like a guest bath.  
    Polish tub, toilet and sink, clean grout, put out fresh towels and soaps for
    showings.
  7. Replace the furnace/air conditioner return filters.
  8. Get out your tool kit and fix all those little things you've lived with for months
    (or years) like loose doorknobs, drawer and cabinet handles, switch plate
    covers....etc.
  9. Tack down loose moldings, glue down any lifted wallpaper, fix sticking doors
    and windows, squeaking door hinges and wobbly stair banisters.
  10. Fix leaking faucets and remove water stains.
Belinda Schultz
252.342.3359
EXIT REALTY SEASIDE
Belinda Schultz
BIC, ABR, e-PRO