Getting The Inside of Your Home Ready to Sell
July 6, 2010 · Written by Brock Dunda · Filed under Helpful Tips, Real Estate

After your home’s exterior has given potential buyers a reason to see the interior of your home, evaluate the inside of your property as follows.

• Make sure all windows are washed, and that blinds are open to invite as much light in as possible. Light and bright sells houses.

• Remove all smoke, pet, and hobby odors from the property.

• Clean and dust all light bulbs and fixtures to ensure the lighting is bright.

• Shampoo carpets and vacuum them often. If the carpet is stained or does not wash well, consider replacing it with a neutral color. If there are hardwood floors underneath, consider utilizing them.

• Clean your house from top to bottom. Remove unused or “clutter items” from the home and store in a storage unit. Buyers are attracted to storage areas, so if you can clear out your sheds, attic spaces, or other storage areas on your property, buyers can visualize how much space your home has.

• Remove posters and adhesives from the walls and repair any holes in the wall that may be caused by nails or other mishaps.

• Clean or paint the basement walls and floor.

• Wax hardwood floors.

• Remove cobwebs.

• Paint inside walls with an off-white paint. Use two or more coats to cover bold, bright, or dark walls. Newly painted walls add brightness to the home.

• Ensure doorknobs are in good working order.

• Make sure that all entrance doors – front door, storm door, screen doors – are in good working condition. If not consider replacing or refinishing them. This is the first impression a potential buyer has of the property. Lighting and cleanliness are extremely important.

• Repair or replace all room doors, closet doors, and windows and screens so that they open with ease.

• Repair or replace banisters or handrails.

• If there are broken tiles on walls or floors repair or replace them.

• Replace toilet bowls if you cannot get them spotlessly clean.

• Improve the plumbing to increase water pressure. Buyers will always check this.

Remember – clean, light, and bright sells houses and will help you achieve top dollar for your home.