Are you a motivated seller???  There are many things YOU can do to get your house ready to sell…

Here are a few more ideas for you:

6. Kitchen – Updated colors and counter tops are important here.  Kitchens are the number one area where buyers want updates, followed by bathrooms.  Don’t let your1980’s kitchen be the reason your home doesn’t appeal to potential buyers.  If you aren’t sure, ask a realtor (like me) for their opinion on these areas.  While you don’t have to go out and buy all stainless appliances or marble counter tops, there are some very affordable fixes that will garner you greater offers.

7. Lighting – People want to be able to see the rooms.  Make sure the lighting is adequate and soft.  You don’t want too harsh lighting, but you do want buyers to be able to see all there is to see.  When you stage your home for showings, you’ll want the lights on, even if it’s daytime.  Make sure all outdoor fixtures are working as well.

8.  Purpose – Every room should be able to be identified as to what it’s function in.  Don’t have a room with a sofa, a desk, a toy-area and a mini-fridge.  Choose what the room’s function is.  Is it an office, an extra bedroom, or a playroom?  Don’t have a desk in the dining room or a jungle-gym in your office.  Give your buyer an idea of what they can use the room for.  Make it neat.

9. Depersonalize – Take down the family photos in the hallway, clear off the kids/ pictures form the top of the baby-grand piano.  Buyers need to be able to see THEIR items in your home.  If your African mask collection lines the walls of your study, you might think about taking them down, so that your potential buyers can envision their personal items instead.  And this one is really important – clean off the fridge!  Take down all artwork, magnets, calendars, cards, etc.  Keep it clear and clean.

10.  Curb Appeal – Don’t forget about the outside of your home.  People won’t want to see the inside if the outside isn’t inviting.  Clear all brush, dead grass and leaves.  Pick up sticks.  Tidy up flower beds and put down new mulch.  Trim trees and bushes.  Edge the sidewalks.  Sow new grass seed if necessary.  Saw off low hanging tree limbs. Cut the grass, but not to short.  You don’t want any bald spots.  Power-wash siding, decks, porches, outdoor furniture and patio areas, Arrange outdoor living areas as if you were entertaining, Put up the patio umbrellas.  You want the outdoor areas to shine just as much as the indoor areas.

I know, I know it seems like a lot to do, but, if you try,  it will show – and buyers just might remember your awesome home over another that “needs so much work!”  That buyer may be yours!!!  The effort will be worth the reward!