How to Get Your House Ready for Sale

Even in the very best housing markets, getting the best price when you sell your house can present a challenge. No matter what price point you are selling at, you can expect a fair amount of competition from other sellers in the area. This is why it is essential to make sure that your house stands out from the crowd. Investments in the form of add-ons and remodeling jobs can really boost the overall value of your home, but by the time you are ready to call your local Raleigh movers, chances are good that you don't want to sink the necessary time and money on making extensive changes. Fortunately, there are several small things that you can do to make your house stand out to potential buyers.

Increase Curb Appeal

The exterior of your house is the first impression potential buyers have of it, so it is important to make it a good one. Mow the lawn if you have one, or rake the gravel and sand if you have desert landscaping. Clean the gutters and remove any dead leaves or other debris from the ground. Consider a fresh coat of paint for the outside of the house, or at least a touch-up for the window and door frames. Trim shrubs and trees, wash patio furniture, and clear away any child or pet toys in the yard.

Remove Clutter

Your goal for the interior of your home should be to make it look like a blank slate for potential buyers. Begin by getting rid of any clutter. Pack up things like old books, clothes that are out of season, hiking and camping equipment, and holiday decorations. You will need to box these up in preparation for your move anyway, so there's no harm in getting a head start on the job. Donate or throw out old items you never use. Finally, remove the bulk of the personal items like photographs and artwork. This gives potential buyers a better idea of the potential your home has.

Do a Deep Clean

Clean everything, even if it doesn't look dirty. Vacuum the floors, then mop and polish any hardwood. Clean the windows inside and out, as well as any other glass surfaces like mirrors and sliding doors. Scrub the bathroom and kitchen, and polish all the fixtures. Dust everywhere, even in places like light fixtures that you rarely get to. Don't forget to clean exterior surfaces like your patio, balcony, or deck. Washing them down with the garden hose is generally sufficient.

Restore and Repair

Do any minor repairs that you have been putting off, such as fixing leaky taps and replacing light bulbs. Pull down curtains to let in natural light, and put fresh towels and bedding in all the rooms. The one major expense you may want to consider is repainting your house inside and out. A fresh coat of pain can go a long way towards hiding imperfections in the walls and ceilings and making an old house look new again.

These are all relatively simple and inexpensive steps that you can take to make sure that your house catches the eye of potential buyers.