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Selling Tips
Check
Your Curb Appeal
A home that’s visually appealing and in good condition will
attract potential buyers driving down the street. View your home
through an outsider’s eyes:
• Are
the lawn and shrubs well maintained?
• Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways?
• Does the driveway need resurfacing?
• Are the gutters, chimney and walls in good condition?
• Do trim, shutters, siding or doors need painting or repair?
• Are garbage and debris stored out of sight?
• Are lawn mowers and hoses properly stored?
• Is the garage door closed?
• Are flower beds and plantings trimmed and neat?
On
the Inside
Cleaning is the most important thing you can do.
• Windows,
floors and bathroom tiles should sparkle.
• Clean heating and air conditioning filters.
• Shampoo dirty carpets, clean tubs and showers, repair dripping
faucets and oil squeaky doors.
• Keep your home neat, clean and picked-up at all times.
It may not seem fair, but a peek in the oven may be the hallmark
by which a buyer judges how well you have kept up your home.
• Remove unnecessary clutter from the garage, basement, attic,
closets and straighten stored items.
• Also remove any items that might make a statement that
would be offensive to others who may not share your same views,
beliefs or sense of humor.
• If your home is crowded with too much furniture, consider
putting some things into storage.
• If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, use a neutral off-white.
• Think, too, about how your home smells. You may be used
to the smell of a pet or cigarettes, but such odors can be a strong
turn-off to others.
• Be certain to remove valuables such as jewelry and other
items from view. It might be wise to put these items in a safe
deposit box before showing your home.
• Finally,
set a mood for the buyer. Make your house homey with live flowers
and fresh guest towels in the bathroom. Place scented potpourri
around the house or, on the day you’re expecting a potential
buyer, pop a batch of frozen cinnamon rolls into the oven for
a welcoming aroma.
Remember, cosmetic
changes do not have to be expensive. In fact, costly home improvements
do not necessarily offer a good return on your investment when you
sell. It’s attention to the basics—anything that says
"this home has been carefully maintained”—that will
help you get the price you want.
• For
more tips, visit the Federal
Consumer Information Center
• For
tips on home repair, visit the Popular
Mechanics Homeowners Clinic
• HUD:
Selling Your Home
Buying Tips
• Find
out how much mortgage you can afford.
• Create
a "wish list" of what you would like in your home.
• Federal
Consumer Information Center: Buying a Home
•
HUD:
Home Buying Tips
• Fannie
Mae Foundation: Home Buying Guides
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