Inside Real Estate With Kevin: Tips for Preparing Your Home for Sale
This is a sponsored column written by Kevin J. Wood, a licensed Realtor© in the District of Columbia and surrounding area. For more information on buying or selling a property, feel free to contact Kevin at 202-297-9753 or email him.
An attractive, well-maintained home will typically sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks tired or run-down. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look at the exterior and interior of your home. Some areas to pay particular attention include:
The Exterior
Obviously, the outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make a good first impression. Step back and take an objective look at the exterior of your home. How can you make it more attractive? Review the following suggestions:
- Keep the lawn cut and the shrubs well trimmed.
- Remove dead tree limbs and other yard debris.
- Enliven your landscape with fresh plantings of shrubs or flowers.
- Arrange outdoor items neatly; put away lawn equipment.
- Check siding, trim and doors (especially the front door) for dirt and peeling paint; wash or touch up with paint where needed.
- Inspect the condition of your fence and repair or paint if needed.
- Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles or flashing.
- Clean and repair broken windows or screens.
- Clean and neatly arrange the garage or shed.
- Make sure the gas grill is ready for use, especially in season.
- Make sure the entry light and doorbell work.
The Interior
Take a look inside your home. Make every room look as organized, bright, and warm as possible. The following suggestions may help:
- Wash walls, ceiling and trim; if possible, paint with light neutral colors.
- Repair cracks in plaster.
- Tighten loose doorknobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.
- Fix sticking doors and windows, squeaking doors and loose stair banisters.
- Repair and clean caulking around tubs and sinks.
- Fix leaky faucets; remove water stains.
- Organize the basement and attic so that they appear as spacious and neat as possible. Discard anything you are not taking with you.
- Organize closets and remove clutter; limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor.
- Organize the contents of kitchen cabinets and remove clutter from kitchen countertops.
- Shampoo carpets and wax floors.
- If you have not sprayed (or “bombed”) for bugs lately, now is a good time.
- Arrange furniture so that the room appears as spacious as possible.
- Remove items you are planning to take with you, including chandeliers, coordinating drapes, mirrors, etc.