Easy Ways to Maximize Your Home's Selling Potential

If your home is on the market, what are potential buyers saying when they drive by? How about when they look inside? Are your maximizing your home's full potential? As the saying goes, "You only have one chance, to make a first impression." Here are some tips to help you stage your home and maybe help it sell faster.

The first thing the potential buyer sees is the outside of your home. To increase curb appeal, remove unsightly tree limbs, dead leaves, and clean out flowerbeds. Keep the lawn well manicured at all times. Plant some colorful flowers to enhance the landscape. Fresh mulch is inexpensive and adds a nice touch, as well. You may want to rent a power washer to remove dirt, spiders, and just brighten up the exterior of your property. Paint where you need to. For pool owners, keep it sparkling clean. Make sure the entrance to your home is inviting and clear of toys, bikes, or unsightly debris. Place a plant at your doorstep.

Once potential buyers enter your home, you will want to declutter. Most homebuyers are looking for space. Your home should appear spacious. Get rid of items you haven't used in over a year or longer. If you can't get rid of something, store it in a storage facility or in your attic. Just get it out of the homebuyer's sight. Before you put your home on the market, do a thorough cleaning. Wipe down all windows, blinds, and ceiling fans. Vacuum the floors in all rooms. Dust all baseboards, clean all the mirrors, and remove grease stains on the kitchen walls, back splashes, counter tops, kitchen cabinets, and appliances. Paint scuff marks and touch up where necessary. This is an inexpensive yet effective fix. Repair squeaks and leaks throughout your home. Replace all burnt out light bulbs. Keep the house fresh, clean, bright & well maintained. Have a candle burning or cookies baking in the oven to create an ambiance.

If you keep your house spotless, it will sell faster. This is not easy for a working family with children, but little things can make a big difference. Keep the kitchen free of dirty dishes and clutter. Fresh flowers in a vase make your home more homey. You may want to rearrange your furniture to maximize traffic flow. If you have pets, keep them in the backyard or in a pet crate when buyers are coming to view your home. If cleaning becomes too much, hire a maid or housekeeper to help. This is a good return on investment. If clutter is a problem for you, you may want to hire a professional to help you stage your home.

There are things you can control when trying to sell your home which include the condition of your property and the ability to make a good first impression.