10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

A little effort and preparation time before a home visit helps tremendously in the sale. It reduces promotion time and can result in more money for the seller. A few touch-ups make a big difference in making a favorable impression on the buyer. Walk through your home like a buyer and take notes on what you might see, repair or replace those items.

The 10 Most Effective Ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale

1. Odors Make sure your home does not have lingering pet or food odors.
2. Trash cans Empty and wash once a week with disinfectant.
3. Clutter Clean and organize stairs, entryways and closets.
4. Paint Neutral colors, such as white, allow buyers to focus on the spaces in the home rather than its colors.
5. Personal belongings Remove them from walls and appliances so clients can visualize themselves in your home.
6. Lighting Open windows to let in natural light and add floor and table lamps to dim areas and make the home feel larger, more spacious and cheerful.
7. Furniture Get rid of bulky, oversized furniture that makes the space seem smaller.
8. Closets Storage space is a big selling point so organizing your closets and investing in organizers will help keep them from looking like crowded, narrow spaces.
9. Bathrooms Bathrooms are an important selling point in a home. Turn yours into a spa, giving them a luxurious and relaxing environment. Add scented candles, faux plants, ribbon-tied cloths, towels and bath mats, etc.
10. Toilets Most importantly, clean and close the toilet lid.