How to Sell Your Home Quickly

In these tough economic times, everything you can do to make your home sell more quickly is certainly to your advantage. Here are 9 great ideas.

BE IMPARTIAL

Take a few steps back. View your house in a new light. Think of it more as a piece of merchandise that needs to marketed and less as the home with the close ties to your emotions.

Don't defend your dated wallpaper and paint because you were the one to choose it. Try to view your home through other people's eyes, not your own. Many times, new carpeting or a fresh paint job can lead to a sale. It can be just that simple.

DO YOUR OWN INSPECTION TOUR

Walk through every part of your home while armed with a camera and notepad. Make a detailed list of every single item that needs attention, both large and small. A camera is great for this task. You might be amazed at what the camera will see that you missed.

Make the repairs before listing your home. Remember again. It is the buyer's viewpoint that counts. In your mind something may have seemed trivial. But the buyer's viewpoint is the only one that matters. Too many problems, no matter how small they seem to you, often will kill a sale.

CHECK OUT THE COMPETITION

Before you start any repairs or renovation, visit open houses and other area homes in your price range. After several visits you will be able to decide whether potentially more expensive repairs will be worth the money spent. Remember that flooring and carpeting can be expensive, those two items play a large role in the mind of buyers.

LOOK GOOD ON THE OUTSIDE

For many buyers, a view of an unkempt lawn, crumbling stairs or drooping gutters will keep them from ever stepping outside their car.

CLEAN THE CLUTTER

Nobody likes clutter. Consider a temporary storage unit, stowing items in the attic, or asking a neighbor to temporarily hold some things for you. If none of the above are options, store everything in boxes (all of the same size if possible) and store them all in one place such as a remote corner of a garage or basement.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

Carpets, furniture, countertops, tile, windows, sinks, toilets and tubs are all important. Consider a maid service if it's in your budget. As before, always keep in mind that it's what the buyers sees and feels that counts most.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Consider using brighter bulbs where necessary. Brighter lighting makes your rooms look larger. Roll up the shades and pull back the curtains. Also consider trimming shrubs from around the windows if that will help.

All the little things can add up in a hurry.

DEODORIZE

Smoke can kill a sale. Smoke your cigarettes and cigars outside. Avoid cooking near times when buyers might logically be expected to visit. Clean the kitty litter.

Be on the lookout for smells to which you have become accustomed. You may not notice, but others certainly will.