Everyone asks the same question: "What can I do to make my home sell fast?" Setting the correct list price is of course the most important part. No amount of staging or feng shui will help an overpriced home. In a buyer's market where inventory is high, it is important to set your home apart from the others. Here are some simple tips:
1. Set the right price.
2. Clean, clean, clean. Spring clean even if it is not spring. Buyers equate clean with well maintained.
3. Check your lighting. During a showing the standard advice is to turn on all your lights. Make sure all the lights work and that burnt out bulbs are replaced.
4. Clean reflective surfaces. This will bounce more light in your home and make it appear brighter. Clean windows (inside and out), mirrors, all glass surfaces, appliances and counter tops.
5. Open your curtains and blinds to show off your clean windows and view.
6. Work on your curb appeal. Cutting the grass and adding flowers are obvious things to do. Make sure buyers can see your house numbers from the street. Replace or repaint rusty mailboxes. Weed the front flowerbed (and the cracks in the driveway). Get a new doormat. The goal is to make your front entrance look inviting and to create drive-by appeal.
7. Make space. Put away photos you don't want buyers to see, souvenirs and collections, and items smaller than your fist. Clean off the tops of bookcases and cupboards. Thin out your closets, linen cupboards and the garage. Buyers will open your kitchen and bathroom cupboards along with closets. Make sure nothing will fall out when the doors are opened, and that it is easy to open and close the doors.
8. Send pets (and smokers) away, especially for showings. Many people are afraid of dogs and even cats. A comfortable buyer will pay more attention to your home. Hide pet toys and dishes along with dog beds for showings. Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free. If you smoke, start smoking outside to give your home a chance to air out.
9. Repair minor flaws. Little things can take away from your equity. Watch for dripping faucets, running toilets, chipped paint, unconnected gutters, overgrown landscaping, torn screens and stained carpet.
10. Before each showing, tidy up each room. Make the buyer feel special (it is surprising how many buyers comment "Didn't they know we were coming?" when they walk through a house). Wash the dishes. Pick up toys, shoes, newspapers and other items that you may have scattered around the house. Make the beds. Put clothes away in the closets. Vacuum and make sure the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle. Consider getting a few empty boxes to hide in your closet or cupboards. They will be great for hiding things when you get a short notice showing!