How To Get The Edge When Selling This Spring

April 13, 2007

Tips on putting your house on the market…
Experts are predicting that this spring is going to be another busy selling season - so it is the wise home seller who figures out a strategy to get an edge.  In some regions, there are more sellers than buyers, meaning you’ll really need to make your house stand out from the rest.  You’ll definitely want your house to sparkle and stand up to the buyer’s home inspection.  Some ways to do that are:
• Make any necessary structural repairs. You may want to consider hiring a professional inspector to give he house a once over before you put it on the market.  That way, there shouldn’t be any surprises down the road once a potential buyer makes an offer and conducts their own inspection.  A home inspection should cover drainage conditions, your home’s exterior, the chimney, decks, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation ventilation, electrical, heating and plumbing systems.
• Clear-out the clutter.  Let buyers see the kitchen countertops.  Have closets just half full so they look larger, clean out the garage, pack the knickknacks.  If you have a lot of furniture, put some of it in storage. Less furniture will make the room appear larger.
• Make a great impression.  A potential buyer’s first impression is what is known as curb appeal.  Keep the lawn mowed, trim the bushes and shrubs, clean the front windows, place a nice welcome mat outside the front door and make sure there’s no clutter by the front door.  Also, clean away the spider webs, any leaves or other debris near the front door and make sure your front door is freshly painted.  A sure welcome sign!
• Repaint any dingy looking walls.  Keep colors in a neutral shade to attract a broad base of possible buyers.
• Check-out the roofing shingles.  Make sure there are no loose or bent shingles.
• Repair and/or paint your gutters as well – and be sure to shampoo your carpet.

Posted in All Things San Diego, Helpful Hints, Real Estate, Things of Interest