HGTV's Get It Sold host and home-staging expert, Sabrina Soto, shares her 15-tip checklist on what to do before opening your house to buyers.
Tip: Print out this checklist, and mark each item off as you get your house ready to sell.
- Use "home wash" (a hose attachment that is available at any home improvement store) to clean the outside of the house.
- Clean rain gutters as well as outside windows and screens.
- Make sure the front door is inviting. Paint it if needed. Also, replace any outdated outdoor lighting fixtures.
- Buy new house numbers if the old ones are dated or faded. Be sure buyers can see the new ones from the curb.
- Buy a new Welcome mat.
- Eliminate half of your belongings — clutter can cost in a sale. Rent a storage unit or portable pod for extraneous pieces of furniture or knickknacks. Another idea is to ask a friend if you can borrow some space in his or her garage.
- Organize all closets and drawers. Buyers might look there.
- Make any necessary repairs so that buyers don't have to add that to their list of expenses.
- Rearrange furniture to make rooms appear as large as possible.
- Make every surface shine, from ceiling fans to baseboards. Don't forget interior windows, mirrors, and floors.
- Scrub every inch of the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Depersonalize each room, removing photo frames and posters or artwork.
- Buy new linens and pillows if necessary. Be certain they are a neutral color.
- Buy air neutralizer and spray it often.
- Let go emotionally of your home, and get ready for an offer!
Article provided courtesy of HGTV.com. For additional information about Get It Sold, click here.
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