June 25th, 2010

Are you ready to put your house on the market but overwhelmed by the idea of getting the place  in good enough condition to show?  Here are some really simple ways to spruce up your home and give it a much needed leg up on the competition.

Landscape – You have heard the old adage, “You only get one chance for a first impression”.  Well it is especially true in real estate.  Buyers will begin to form their opinions about a house as soon as they pull up out front, so be sure to keep the lawn well manicured, pull any straggling weeds, add color by planting flowers, and put some new mulch down in the plant beds.

Exterior Maintenance – Getting rid of cob webs and dirt on the outside of a home can often have just as dramatic of an effect as a new paint job!  Run a power washer over the exterior siding, walkways, and garage floor, and have your windows professionally cleaned to get things sparkling again!

Paint – A fresh coat of paint will liven up any room in an instant and it is one of the most inexpensive changes you can make.  Make sure to pay close attention to baseboards and window casings as they are sure to have seen abuse over the years.  When selecting a paint color, set your personal tastes aside and go with a soft, neutral palette. Neutral shades will appeal to a larger number of people and also help make a space feel more open.

Wallpaper –Although wallpaper has made a bit of resurgence lately, we still suggest removing it altogether.  Generally speaking, wallpaper will quickly date your home and narrow your potential list of buyers.  It is highly unlikely that you share the exact

Carpets – This is a biggie…get them professionally cleaned!  It is not that expensive and can make a world of difference.

Toilet Seats – Replacing the toilet seat is a fast and easy way to freshen up any commode!  For around $20 this is a sure fire way to make a big impact.

These are just a few of the many ways to get your home ready to sell.  By doing each of the items on this list you will not only add appeal, but will also add value to your home!  For more great ideas, consult your Realtor.

To hire a professional call HighCraft Home Services at 970.472.8100