Carol Cushatt

Prepare Your Home for Sale

Concentrate First on Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is your first chance to entice buyers. Focusing your efforts on the front of your house will assist in grabbing buyers' attention. It's true that first impressions are lasting, so be sure that your house creates a strong first impression. They call it curb appeal for a reason!

Stand in front of your house. What will potential buyers see as they arrive? Nicely trimmed shrubs? A well-manicured lawn? Potted plants? These enhancements can make subtle yet powerful statements.

Here are several suggestions experts recommend to make your exterior grab potential buyers' attention"

• Mow, weed, trim and water your lawn regularly
• Paint or thoroughly wash the exterior of your house
• Place a new welcome mat at the front door
• Make sure your house address numbers are large enough to read
• Wash the windows so they're transparent
• Remove extra vehicles from the driveway
• Repair damaged screens and glass and add new hardware
• Sweep the walkway and driveway as needed
• Remove distracting lawn ornaments
• Clean up after your pets on a daily basis
• Repair any fence or gate
• Make sure your roof and gutters are in good shape

Create Neutral and Welcoming Living Areas

Your house may fulfill all the criteria potential buyers want for location, price, style and amenities, but it still needs to make an emotional connection. Inspire buyers by creating scenarios where they can picture themselves. To do so, create a neutral slate by using subtle colors in your entryway, living room, family room and dining room; eliminate excess personal memorabilia; and engage all of the senses with soft music, a warm fire and pretty flowers.

Here are a few ides to make your place say, "Welcome, You're Home" to potential buyers:

• Ensure a clean, clutter free and classic entryway for appeal
• Paint walls a neutral color scheme. Remember, white never fails!
• Rearrange furniture in the family room and living room for openness
• Repair wall and ceiling cracks
• Scrub and wax or seal floors
• Make sure carpet is spotless and fresh smelling
• Remove stray newspapers and outdated magazines
• Wipe down all light fixtures so each room sparkles
• Clean draperies and blinds
• Scale back family photos to a few tastefully framed pictures
• Play soft music on the stereo to create a comfortable atmosphere

Highlight the Kitchen and the Bathrooms

Two key areas that buyers tend to focus on are the kitchen and the bathrooms. A clean kitchen sends a positive message. And a beautiful bathroom is compelling. Many buyers prefer to purchase a house classified as "move-in condition," so make sure you repair leaky faucets, remove rust stains and fix sticky drawers. Simple repairs now can mean the difference between potential buyers moving on or making an offer.

• Place seldom used small appliances in cupboards
• Wipe down insides of drawers and install dividers
• Make sure your mirrors and appliances shine
• Inspect the cabinets and unclutter the countertops
• Check for leaky faucets, and caulk sinks and tubs
• Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher and trash can
• Leave guests tasteful treats such as coffee or tea and cookies or donuts
• Bake fresh rolls or bread to create a warm welcome
• Lay an open cookbook on the counter
• In the bathroom, create a mini-spa with guest soaps, bath oils and thick towels
• Scrub and polish all sinks and tubs
• Purchase a new shower curtain and liner as well as rugs
• Repair missing grout and tiles
• Roll several new towels and place in a basket on the counter

Focus on the Bedrooms, the Basement and the Backyard

Turn your attention to the rest of the house. Take a close look at each remaining area - including the bedrooms, the basement and the backyard. And remember to inspect the garage, shop and laundry room. These often overlooked areas can impress potential buyers, setting your house apart from the competition!

A Clean house sends a positive message that you also took care of major items such as the roof and the furnace. If you can't get something clean, paint it, remove it or replace it.

Here are a few items to pay special attention to:

• Vacuum under beds
• Organize closets
• Place a scented candle on the nightstand, and fold a quilt at the end of the bed
• Put scented paper or sachets in closets
• Use lots of pillows in every bedroom
• Beautify your entertainment center by adding a few books, art and pottery
• Drape a textured throw over the corner of a sofa or chair
• Hang a picture in the laundry room
• Wipe down the washer, dryer, furnace, water softener and other appliances
• Put tools in bins in the garage or shop
• Refresh patios by power-washing and give wood decks a boost with a fresh coat of stain
• Place lawn furniture and small table in conversational groupings outside
• Hang miniature white lights in trees and around umbrellas to create a warm glow

By making potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable, you can subtly influence their attitude toward your house....turning it from a house for sale into a house sold!

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