Prepare Your Home for Sale

Here are four simple steps you can take to increase the value of your home when selling.

1.  Make necessary repairs.

2.  Invest in minor updates.

3.  Declutter.

4.  Improve your home’s curb appeal.

Why make repairs?
People often ask why they should invest money in their home before putting it on the market. Why not simply offer a buyer a credit to complete the work? Of course you can do this but if you want to yield the highest price on your home sale, it makes a big difference if you take care of repairs ahead of time. Small repairs can make a big difference. If a potential seller notices several small repair issues they often assume there are more problems they cannot see.
What type of minor updates?
Small things can make a big difference. I’ve written about this before but inside the home fresh paint, clean (or new carpet), new faucets and even updated knobs on the cupboards can freshen up a dated interior. Outside the home a new front door and light fixtures can make a positive first impression.
Why declutter?
This should go without saying but buyers want to visualize the place as their own. All the ski gear, knick-knacks and items you will be taking when you sell, should be out of sight. Since most homes are sold furnished in Mammoth Lakes, buyers can get a real sense of what it will be like for them when all the clutter is gone. Here is a tip that has worked for me. Get three large boxes. Label them: 1) Trash 2) Donate and 3) Put Away. Allocate an hour a day and go through a room, cabinet or an area and place items in the boxes. Before you know it you will be “decluttered.”
How to improve curb appeal?
Remember, people will see the outside of your house before they see the inside. Curb appeal is essential for both condos and single family homes. What impression does your home leave with a first time visitor? Sometimes it is challenging to view your properly objectively so ask you real estate agent or close friend to write down their impressions of your home. Weather and season permitting, potted fresh flowers outside the front door take little effort but do a lot to enhance the entry. Rake the leaves, mow the lawn, trim the bushes and definitely clean the windows and screens.
For previous articles, visit www.sonjabush.com