Below are some terrific suggestions and ideas to improve your home’s appearance and help you prepare to sell it faster and for more money! For specifics regarding YOUR house, call your favorite Boise, Idaho and North End real estate team (that'd be us!)
Throughout the House
Open draperies, pull up shades, and let in sunlight.
Create a positive mood. Turn on all lights, day or night, and install higher wattage light bulbs to show your home brightly.
Remove clutter from each room to visually enlarge them.
If you have a fireplace, highlight it in your decorating.
Keep your home dusted and vacuumed at all times.
Replace carpet if it does not clean up well.
Have a family “game plan” to get home in order quickly if necessary.
Air out your home for thirty minutes before showings, if possible.
Lightly spray house with air freshener so that it has a chance to diffuse before the buyer arrives.
Put family photos in storage.
Improve traffic flow through every room by removing unnecessary furniture.
Create feeling of a spacious entry area by using decorative accents and removing unnecessary furniture.
Putty over and paint any nail holes or other mishaps in the walls. Make sure the sheen matches!
Repaint all interior walls a neutral color - not white - to brighten home and make it look bigger.
Repair or replace any loose or damaged wallpaper.
Clean all light bulbs and light fixtures to brighten home.
Wash all windows inside and out.
Use plants in transitional areas of your house.
Make the most of your attic’s potential.
Remove and/or hide excess extension cords and exposed wires.
Open doors to areas you want potential buyers to see such as walk-in closets, pantries, attics etc,
Remove all smoke and pet odors.
Repair or replace banisters and handrails.
In the Kitchen
Microwave a small dish of vanilla twenty minutes before a showing and place it in an out-of-the-way place.
Highlight an eat-in area in your kitchen with a table set for dinner.
Kitchen and bathrooms should always be spotlessly clean.
Expand counter space by removing small appliances.
In the Bedrooms
Create a master suite effect in your decorating.
Depersonalize bedrooms and decorate in a neutral scheme.
Make sure beds are made and linens are clean.
Organize closets, remove unnecessary items and put in storage.
In the Bathrooms
Do not leave towels around and wipe down sinks and shower areas after each use.
Re-caulk tub if caulk is not sparkling white.
Repair or replace broken tiles in shower/tub.
Replace shower curtains and keep clean.
Put out fresh towels and decorative soaps.
Outside
Keep yard mowed and raked at all times.
Use flowering plants to dress up yard, walkway, and patio.
Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, and trash from yard.
Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions of house should be kept uncluttered, swept, and in good condition.
Paint all entrance doors.
Make sure garage door opens easily. Fix and paint garage door if necessary.
Clean and shine all hardware and accessories indoors and out (door knobs, knockers, lamps, mail box, address numbers, etc.)
Trees and shrubs should be trimmed and pruned.
Use a new doormat.
Be sure front doorbell is in good working order.
Be sure front door and screen door works perfectly.
These home-readiness tips will ensure your home sells quickly for the most money possible in this market - and don't worry, when you work with us, we'll provide a customized plan for getting your home ready!
And always remember, if you are interested in real estate, we are your Boise, Idaho and North End real estate experts. If you are interested in searching for your next dream home, the only place you need to go is here.
