| So you're getting
ready to put your house on the market. Naturally, you want to
realize the most value for your home. One of the best ways to do
so is by putting your home's best face forward. This doesn't
necessarily mean going to huge expense. Often you can improve
the look of your home and its profit potential with a few minor
cosmetic adjustments.
What makes a house show well?
Often it's the little things that add up to a successful sale.
First off, be ruthless in your assessment of the pros and cons
of your house. Try to look at your house with an unbiased eye.
Two of the things that most prospective buyers are looking for
are space and evidence the property has been well maintained.
You can accomplish both by reducing the clutter inside and
outside your home. Outside, make sure that shrubbery is trimmed
well back, and every window's view is bright and unobstructed.
In the winter, ensure the walkways are shoveled and they're wide
enough to allow easy navigation. In the fall, rake leaves every
day. And in the summer, make sure you keep the garden well
watered. Drooping plants and a shaggy, unkempt lawn can create
the wrong impression.
Bring the same energetic
approach to reduce the clutter inside your home. Even if your
home is small, creating the illusion of space can make a big
difference in your home's resale value. Remember, in this case,
less is more.
Before people start trooping
through your home, pack away anything that's very fragile or
holds great sentimental value. As well, you might need to clear
out some furniture to help create that all-important illusion of
space. Perhaps you can even pack up just a few of the bigger,
bulkier items first and arrange temporary storage at the
in-laws, the cottage or the office until the house is sold. Then
it's easy to rearrange the remaining furniture to create a
spacious and airy feeling, and allow for easy flow through of
traffic during showings.
While you're in the mood to
clean up, why not tackle the clutter that's accumulated
throughout the house? Tidy cupboards and other storage spaces in
every room. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything that
you haven't used in the past two years. Why not having a garage
sale now, before it's time to pack up for moving day? Or gather
up those still serviceable items and donate them to charity. If
the task seems daunting, your Coldwell Banker sales
representative can suggest professionals to help with any task
ahead of you.
If you follow these
suggestions, you can be sure that when the "For Sale" sign goes
up you've increased the profit potential in your home. And
before you know it, that "For Sale" sign will read SOLD !
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