For many home sellers, the home sale process is a bit like the morning after Christmas.  Yesterday was fun and there are many good memories.  Nevertheless, today there is all that straightening up to be done.

Like Christmas…there is all that work – both inside and outside.  Of course, everyone wants to move on with the least amount of cost and effort.

Getting your home ready for sale is no different.  Move on with the least amount of cost and effort.

Now, it would be great if your House Sale “to do” list could just be done by someone else.  For most folks living in the home they are selling that is just not practical.

Here are some recommended tips for preparation to sell – both Inside and Outside.  Since you are probably not going to install a new kitchen and bath – our list is manageable for both muscle and money.  A complete list is extensive; but here are items that people often forget.  Our list is universal, but especially Florida-centric.

First, just one suggestion: if you cannot undertake these projects yourself…the list is budget friendly to include helpers if required.

OUTSIDE

• Remember: curb appeal begins at the curb…so if your driveway or walkway needs attention – do it now.  Reminder: keep both of those paths clear of clutter (toys, cars, boats, trashcans, etc during the viewing times, and especially when photos are being taken).  Don’t forget the mailbox too.

• Landscape benefits are easy and cheap. Trim the bushes and overhanging trees and add fresh mulch everywhere.  Flowering plant additions are nice, but not essential.

• Outdoor lighting fixes are easy and inexpensive.  Remember, smart buyers drive by the places they are considering after dark.  If your porch, doorway, lamppost, or garage entry lights need a new bulb – do it now.  In addition, keep the lights on during darkened evening hours so the property looks well lit and secure.

Well lighted – Properly landscaped – clean driveway – Inviting front door

• Seems silly – but roll up your garden hoses – front and back.  Hoses lying around are unsightly and you do not want to tangle your buyer.

• Fix anything broken to the eye.  Nothings turns a buyer off like a broken or cracked window or torn screen.

• Take a ride by your house slowly, just like a buyer would do.  Sit in the passenger seat and look your property over at 15 MPH.  That is what the buyer will do during daylight and dark.  Make an effort to keep commercial vehicles parked away from your property during the selling days/evenings.

INSIDE

• Just like curb appeal begins at the curb…welcome to your home begins at the door.  If the door is shabby, dirty, stuck or damaged…fix it!  A freshly painted door is a true “welcome” sign.  Some tasteful seasonal door decorations can be nice but never anything “over-the-top”.  Please: never, never have your Christmas wreath still hanging at Valentine’s Day.

• Buyers need light to see what they like.  Well-lighted homes show better.  Don’t make your house a ‘cave’.  Open the draperies and blinds.  Use interior lighting fixtures to create a warm space everywhere.  In other words – let appropriate warm lighting shine – even in daytime.  The amount of extra electricity used is minimal by comparing the buyer’s welcome and safe feeling inside your home.
• One cannot emphasize de-clutter enough.  Buyers do not want to be distracted by your Grandmother’s doll collection, your children’s toys, or your unfinished hobby or DIY\ projects.  With the exception of furniture – de-personalize the place like you were packing to move next week.  Needless to say…the place needs to be clean and tidy too!

Clean – Well-lighted – Clutter free – De-personalized

• The outside tips about broken…are even more important inside the home.  Every light bulb, faucet fixture, and doorknob needs to be in working order.  Buyers can and will look and test anything and everything.  If it is on your “to do” list – don’t put it on the buyer’s “to do” list.  A silly sixty-nine cent missing switch plate can make a buyer walk away.
• Lastly, in the affordable fix up category is painting.  Freshly painted areas show better and sell better.  You do not have to paint the entire home inside…but even touch ups go a long way to inviting the buyer’s attention.  Use neutral colors, even when you think a splash of color is fashionable.  The buyer is probably going to repaint anyway…just do not make him do all the painting on “move-in” day.

Finally, and maybe most importantly…get another set of eyes.  Your Realtor is probably the BEST choice.  Have someone you trust to tell you the truth…”what needs to be done” for the best selling success.

Maybe Ernest Hemmingway was a home seller when he wrote the novel – A Clean Well-Lighted Place