Are You Ready?

What to do and what to expect during the home selling process

Before Your Home Hits the Market…Getting Ready!

Tips to Sell your home FASTER and FOR MORE MONEY!

1. OUTSIDE - First impressions are everything! Really pay attention to your home and its surroundings as you drive up to it. Is the lawn mowed? Hedges trimmed? Leaves raked? Is there fresh mulch in the beds? Are toys, bikes, etc. picked up from the yard? Do you have any chipping or peeling paint on the home or trim? Are all exterior light fixtures working? Are the driveway and sidewalk in good condition?

2. ENTRANCE - Enter your home through the front door, as a buyer will. Is the door freshly painted? Are locks and knobs in good condition? Are all lights working? Do you notice any unusual or unpleasant odors? Do you notice any clutter? It is important to make the entrance to your home as appealing as possible. If the buyer is turned off by anything upon entering the home he or she may make the decision that they do not like the home immediately without even seeing all the other great features throughout the home.

3. KITCHEN – Make sure that all appliances are sparkling clean! Are there any dirty dishes in the sink? Are the floors clean? Put trash and recycling bins out of sight. Make sure trash bins have fresh liners and do not have any unpleasant odors. If possible, place a bowl of fresh fruit or lemons on the counter or table. Make sure the counters are as clear as possible. Put away all small countertop appliances and knick-knacks.

4. BATHROOMS – Make sure all surfaces of floors, tubs, shower walls and doors, sinks and countertops sparkle! Is there any dirty laundry on the floor? Put away as many toiletry items as possible. Never leave prescription drugs or personal items out! Make sure all grout/caulk is intact and free of mildew.

5. BEDROOMS – Are rugs vacuumed? Are closets clean and organized? Keep the floors and tops of furniture as clear as possible. Ask children to keep toys and clothes picked up. Arrange furniture so that buyers can move easily into and out of rooms.

6. LAUNDRY AREA – Keep dirty laundry in baskets or hampers. Make sure washer and dryer are clean and that there are no unpleasant odors.

7. OTHER LIVING SPACES – Make sure toys, newspapers, and other items are picked up and put away.

8. HOME OFFICE – Put away papers and files, especially bills or papers of a personal nature.

9. GARAGE – Make sure that there is room in the garage for the car! You don’t want to overfill the garage with storage items. Rent a public storage locker if necessary, throw away or donate to good will. Buyers will think that the house has minimal storage space available if the garage is full. Make sure that whatever items are stored in the garage are stacked neatly against walls or organized on storage shelves.

10. GENERAL – Windows: Make sure all the windows are sparkling clean and operable! Make sure you have no leaky or dripping faucets. Make sure you have no doors that “stick.” Fresh Paint is always a plus. If you do not want to invest the time to paint, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to take scuffmarks off of walls. Try not to leave pet toys or crates out.

Prior to your home becomes active on the multiple list service, you can expect to have an Eric Pakulla Team Member visit you to take detailed notes of the features in the home. Photographs and the virtual tour will also be completed at this time. As soon as the listing is signed we will begin to actively market your home to the public and to other real estate professionals. Your home will be submitted to our print advertising publications and will be posted on the website immediately and a highly reflective professional real estate sign will be ordered up.