6 Fix Ups: Prep Before Listing a House for Sale
Time Needed for Prep and Maintenance
It takes time to fix up a property to sell it for top dollar. The time investment depends on the size of your property and its condition. For a livable 1500 square-foot home, plan for at least a week. Read through these essential fixes and decide how much time you’ll need.
The 6 Important Maintenance Tasks
1. Decluttering
For most sellers, the decluttering phase could begin months ahead of time. Now, at the end of summer, take advantage of comfortable weather. Move everything that is not necessary into the garage, including giveaway, collections and extra décor, and excessive storage in cupboards and closets. Take the things you’re giving away off the property and acquire shelving and containers to neatly store excess possessions.
2. Tweaking
Now you’re going to be tightening things up, smoothing things out, checking the light bulbs, and oiling the gears. So methodically Enter each room, turn to the left check the outlet covers, hinges and doorknobs and cabinets. Turn on the lights and replace burnt bulbs, inside and outside.
Tighten screws on fixtures, toilet seats and flush lever, faucets, and window cranks. Be sure to put a dab of WD-40 anywhere you hear a squeak. If you have mineral deposits on the shower glass, apply Limeaway or other solution to dissolve it.
3. Cleaning
Thoroughly clean all the nooks and crannies in every room and outside. Clean the baseboard and trim, windows and window casings, appliances, and cupboards. Check and clean up the walls, floors, and carpeting. Go outside and clean the windows.
4. Painting
One of the most cost-effective preps you can do will be to paint if it’s needed. Remembering that Buyers want to imagine their own furnishings in this home. So, if rooms are bright colored, consider a neutral shade. Be especially attentive to the curb appeal. If the trim around the front door or the front windows is flaky, go all out to sand and paint. Do you need to spray fresh stain on the fencing?
5. Landscaping
Water as the weather permits. Mow the lawns, trim the bushes, rake leaves, and haul away the debris. If you have a curbside mailbox and house numbers, make sure they look good. Finally, add a pop of color or a welcoming touch to the front entrance.
6. Stage the Home
Ask your real estate agent if there is a virtual or local staging company, or someone with staging skills. You’re trying to determine which furniture and items you already own could stay back in the house as placeholders and which things need to be taken away.
Otherwise, take a simplistic approach. Add a couple of simple lawn chairs outside. The living room could have a sofa and chair, coffee table and piece of artwork for focus. Leave beds, dressers, and chairs if they are in good repair. When in doubt, go for the sleek, empty counters. Empty spaces can add a spacious feel to the areas.
SE Colorado Realtors – Houses for Sale
Call the real estate professionals at Cruikshank Realty (719) 336-7802. Schedule an appointment and get help deciding the priority fixes for selling your home or property. Cruikshank Realty is located at 20 S. Main Street, Lamar, CO 81052.