A little time and effort preparing your home for the market can reduce the amount of time it takes to sell, but also can lead to more money in your pocket!

So where do you start?  Because a buyer’s first impression is so important, I always advise my clients to start from the outside and simulate a potential buyer’s walk through.

1.     Check the Exterior/Curb Appeal
The saying “You’ll never have a second chance to create a good first impression” is very true when it comes to a prospective buyer looking at a home.  The first impression that a buyer will gather of a home is the exterior and the homes “curb appeal.”  Make sure that the lawn is freshly cut, bushes trimmed and the leaves raked.  Lawn tools and toys should be picked up.  Additionally, if you have pets, please pick up after them.

2.     Check for Clutter
One of the most noticeable things to a prospective buyer is clutter, it gives the impression that there is not enough storage in the home. Some areas that often collect clutter that should be checked are stairs, entry ways, and closets.  Make sure the stairs are clear and that all shoes, coats, hats, and mail is put out of sight. Closets should be neat and organized.

3.     Check the Kitchen
A home’s kitchen is traditionally the biggest selling feature.  Make sure the counter tops are not only free and clear but also “clean enough to eat on.” The exterior of the refrigerator should have virtually nothing on it, and the kitchen floor must be clean.  A potential buyer is not going to be impressed when they “stick to the floor” when they step onto a spot where something was spilled earlier.

4.     Check the Bathroom
Bathrooms are often the second biggest selling feature of homes.  Many things that have been addressed in the kitchen should be considered in the bathroom as well.  Is the vanity top clean and clear of clutter?  Is the floor clean? Most prospective buyers are going to look inside the tub and/or shower, so it should sparkle too. Make sure the linen closet and the items inside are organized neatly.  Take a couple new bath towels out of the linen closet and make sure they are hanging nice and neat.  A clean bathroom appearance can go a long way with a potential buyer.

5.     Check the Bedrooms
It’s critical that a buyer can see that the bedrooms are practical, and someone is able to comfortably fit their belongings in the room. The beds should be made and decorated with some nice pillows or a throw. Make sure any personal belongings and valuables are stored in a secure location or removed during a showing.  A prospective buyer is almost always going to open the closets in the bedroom.  They want to see how much storage room they will have for their “stuff.”  The closets should be neat and organized.

6.     Check the Floors
Like mentioned above with the kitchen and bathroom floors, all floors throughout a home should be checked before a showing.  If there are carpeted rooms, are they vacuumed and free from stains?  I recommend, prior to listing a home, that if the carpets are heavily damaged or severely stained, to get them replaced or cleaned.  Replacing and/or cleaning the carpet is a quick, easy, and affordable home selling tip.

7.     Check the Windows
Make sure the blinds and drapes are clean and that they are functioning.  A buyer is often concerned with the quality of the windows in a potential home and will be inspecting them, so make certain the windows are clean and sparkling.

8.     Check the Temperature
Make sure your home’s temperature is comfortable. You want the buyer to feel instant relief from the Florida heat (and occasional cold) once they enter your home.

9.     Check for Odors
A foul odor in a home may be the largest turn-off for a potential buyer. Whether it’s an odor from pets, smoking, cooking, or others, make sure to check for odors!  Often it is a good idea to have an opinion from a person who is not living in the home.  Homeowners often become “nose-blind” to odors within their own homes.

10.  Let the Light In
Open the blinds and window treatments, and turn on every light in the home.  Buyers prefer bright, light-filled spaces.  

Preparing for a showing the correct way can make a major difference on whether a home sells or not and on the time it takes for the sale.  It can also affect the price a seller receives for their home.  

Are you thinking of selling your home in the Tampa Bay area?  If so, contact us, we’d be happy to share with you our advice on the ways to prepare your home for the local real estate market!