Tips For Getting Your Home Ready to Put on the Market

If you are thinking about putting your home up for sale, you better plan on taking some time to get it market ready. From experience, I can tell you that a house that is well kept and "sparkles", both inside and out, will sell faster than a home that is poorly maintained and shabby looking.

Maximizing curb appeal is huge! If a potential buyer drives up and sees a house that looks like the worst in the neighborhood, they may not even go inside! So, take some time, and possibly a little money, to enhance the curb appeal. Some pointers include:

• Keep the lawn cut, edged and free of weeds!
• Trim the bushes and add a fresh layer of mulch.
• Remove toys, newspapers, yard tools and other clutter.
• Tidy up; pick up after pets.
• Park vehicles in the garage or in the street; leave the driveway clear so buyers can see the house!
• Clean out the gutters and power wash your home if there is dirt build-up on vinyl siding.
• Add fresh potted flowers near the front entrance if you area selling in the spring or summer months.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
• Keep your garage door closed!

Maximizing your interior appeal is also very important. Consider the following tips:

• Thoroughly clean and organize the entire house! This includes removing all clutter. If you have an excessive amount of "stuff", you may consider renting a storage unit and placing those items there until your home sells.
• Make beds; clean up dishes; empty wastebaskets.
• Remove items that aren't used regularly from kitchen counters to show more "free" space.
• Touch-up/re-paint dirty or darkly colored walls in a neutral shade of paint and remove wallpaper.
• Repair any dripping faucets and showerheads.
• Set out show towels in bathrooms.
• If you have an excessive amount of photo's on the walls, remove them. You want to de-personalize the house so buyers can see themselves living there.
• Freshen the air with potpourri; deodorize pet areas; set a comfortable temperature.
• Do a quick vacuuming and dusting prior to showings.
• Arrange fresh flowers throughout.
• Turn all lights on!

If you take the appropriate steps prior to placing your home on the market, you will have a much better chance of getting your home sold quickly.

Krista Poetker is a Realtor in Greenville South Carolina. For more info on buying/selling please visit her website at http://www.kristapoetker.com.