Before You Call the Real Estate Agent

Before you get ready to interview Real Estate Agents, optimize your property for the best sale possible. Start this project by making a list of everything that needs replaced, repaired or removed. You might want to invite a few friends or family members to help you create your list of things to do. They will be sure to point out items you overlook. The goal is to update and clean so buyers fall in love with the potential this house has to become their new home. You also want your Real Estate Agent to have the best piece of property to work with to help sales and marketing efforts.

As you are creating your list, check out the recently sold real estate in your neighborhood. What is attractive about those houses? Are there ways you can create better, or at least the same appeal to your property? A hundred dollars in landscaping, to allow your house to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood can add a significant amount to the overall sale value, and increase your chances for serious bids.

Curb Appeal is the first impression buyers will see and needs to be immaculate. Make note if you need to treat your lawn for weeds, or replant grass in bare areas. If any concrete works needs to be done to sidewalks and porches, put that on your list too. These are high priority items, as you want to have time for these areas to improve before the "For Sale" sign is posted.

Make a clear path to the front door. Put away the kissing Dutch statues and windmills. Opt instead for a few nice shrubs and maybe a couple of planters with flowers or ivy, and add some fresh mulch. You want a welcome look without the personality. This will help potential buyers use their imaginations for the vision they have of their future home.

If you are in a family home that has an overload of toys in the backyard, this will need some special attention. A nicely maintained swing set or jungle gym is fine, but remove anything extra or that the children have outgrown. Make sure there are no large muddy areas around the toys. You can add soft mulch and edge the space in so that it will become an attractive play area.

When you've finished making a list of everything that needs done in the yard, check the paint and hardware all over the outside of your house. What can you repair, replace, or remove to improve this area? Pay close attention to the doors and windows. If the screens need fixed, fix them. Get some paint and freshen any trim that needs it. You might want to get a power washer to wash the siding and outside windows. Do this before you paint to avoid having to repaint any chipped areas.

After you've thoroughly checked the outside of the property, it's time to go inside. The first thing to put on the list is to remove all clutter. This especially means cleaning out the cupboards and closets. Potential buyers will look inside every crevice throughout the house. They are looking for spaciousness, so make sure they see as much space as possible.

Make a note to rent a storage unit, or arrange to store things with a friend or family until after the sale of your house. This will allow you to remove everything down to the bare minimum. You do want to keep a few pictures on the walls, and necessary items and furniture, but keep in mind that less is more. This is the most inexpensive thing you can do to immensely increase the odds for your sale.

Now go through each room and see what needs updated, repaired, or replaced. Wash all the walls and get a professional carpet cleaner to clean the carpets. Scrub the floors and remove or replace worn out looking area rugs. Wash the windows and make sure all light fixtures have working bulbs. Replacing old outlet and light switch covers is a very affordable, yet noticeable update for every room.

The kitchen and bathrooms are the most scrutinized areas that will make or break a decision for potential buyers. Check to make sure plumbing is in great shape with no leaks under the sink and no dripping faucets. Everything should be absolutely spotless. Clear everything off the counters. Put toasters, and other small appliances away in the kitchen and remove all personal toiletry items in the bathroom. For ambience, you can place candles, and maybe a small bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen. This creates a welcome ambience but won't clutter areas that could be important selling points.

Once you've completed the items on your things to do list, it's time to start interviewing Realtors. During the interview, have them walk through the house and point out any other items that you, your friends, and family may have missed. All of this preliminary work will help your home sell faster and at a higher rate. Happy selling!