Getting Ready to Sell

If you've made the decision to put your Philadelphia property on the market and are ready to move forward, you're probably wondering what you could do to make your home stand out from the competition.  Preparing your house for sale does not have to be a costly endeavor.  In addition to the regular upkeep of your home, here are a few low-cost tips to help you enhance your home's appeal and make it irresistible to potential buyers. 

1.  Examine your home's curb appeal.  Stand outside your front door.  Is the house welcoming?  If you were a buyer, would you want to go inside?  It is true that you only have one chance to make a first impression, as many buyers will make a decision about a home before they even go inside.  You may want to address any cosmetic or structural issues that would dissuade a buyer at first glance, such as giving the door a fresh coat of paint and repairing cracked sidewalks or foundation.  Flowers are a great addition and will create an inviting atmosphere!  Keep grass cut and hedges trimmed too.

2.  Make repairs as necessary.  Test your heating and cooling systems to ensure they're in proper working order and address any issues with appliances or mechanicals.  Buyers will also likely be deterred by any evidence of dampness or signs of leaks, so check for those as well and remedy as needed.  A well-maintained home is a marketable home, so replace those burned out light bulbs and fix that leaky faucet! 

3.  Clean, clean, clean!  A thorough cleaning of your property is probably the most important thing you can do before putting it on the market.  It will show better, sell faster and can help in netting you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more!  Odors must certainly be eliminated, especially if you have pets or if you are a smoker.  You may not notice the smell, but buyers do.  Decluttering your home will make it appear brighter and more spacious.  Removing unnecessary items will help the buyer visualize the space in a more neutral light.

4.  Speaking of neutral, consider the paint scheme of your home.  It's always a good idea to touch up any areas of your home where paint may be fading or chipping, but it's also important to take a look at the color itself.  If possible, repaint any strongly colored walls a neutral color. Neutral shades, such as off-white, tan or beige, will provide a good basis for helping potential buyers better visualize your home as their own.  This goes for carpeting as well.

5.  Use your imagination.  When in doubt, put yourself in the buyer's shoes.  What would or wouldn't you want to see in a potential home?  Put out fresh towels, tidy your cupboards or purchase a new welcome mat!

Remember, a well-maintained home is a marketable home and one that sparkles and shines will certainly stand out from the competition.   If you have any questions about preparing your house for sale, contact us and we'll guide you through the process!