Fixing up, cleaning and polishing your home is a big part of selling it quickly. To get it in first-rate condition fast, here are some tips to help. You can either hire someone to complete them, or do them yourself. Either way, you’ll end up with a home that is in great shape.
Day 1
Today, start by cutting back the hedges. Getting rid of over- growth will open up the front of the house, so the buyers can see the house more easily. Next, cut and trim the lawn, and do any necessary weeding to the gardens. Sweep the driveway, and clean the outside lights. When the potential buyer pulls into the driveway for the first time, they will notice all your hard work!
Day 2
Get the paintbrush out! Chances are, the front door and the trim could use some fresh paint. If your home is more than 10 years old, you may consider updating the color combination. Color trends change over time, and a color change can update the appearance of your home.
Day 3
Get rid of the clutter. Any excess furniture can be stored, or simply disposed of. Extra clothes that don’t fit into closets or drawers need to be packed away. Kitchen and bathroom counters need to be cleared off. Any toys that regularly clutter the floor will need to be put away.
Day 4
Attack the kitchen. The kitchen is probably the most important room in the house from the buyer’s perception. You want it to appear bright, sparkling and spacious. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can do wonders to freshen the appearance of a kitchen. If the cupboards are old, but in good physical shape, they can be repainted or re-stained. Clean the floor, and if it old and worn, you may consider replacing it.
Day 5 & 6
Paint the bathrooms. The best way to freshen up and update the bathroom is with a fresh coat of light colored, glossy paint. While bathroom renovations are expensive, a fresh coat of paint is affordable, and makes a huge impact.
Day 7
Clean, or paint the living and entry area. Walk through the house, and inspect the walls. Are they marked or scratched? Has the paint faded in spots? You probably won’t need to paint the ceiling- just be careful not to get any paint on it from the walls.
Day 8
Clean or paint the bedrooms. The same rules apply here as for the living areas.
Day 9
Wash the windows and clean the lights. Vacuum the drapes and get the dust off the blinds. Sparkling windows will make the entire house seem cleaner. Cleaning the dirt and grime from the light fixtures will increase their brightness, and make your whole home look cheerier.
Day 10
Have the carpets cleaned or replaced. If the carpeting is in good shape, the potential buyer will think the entire house is that way, as well. If your carpet is old and worn, you might consider replacing it. Even inexpensive new carpeting looks great. Always do the carpeting last- so you won’t have to worry about spilling any paint on it.
Now that all the hard work is done, you can rest for a day!
There will still be a few things that could use your attention. Any leaky faucets, wobbly doorknobs or squeaky hinges will need to be fixed. You might want to consider having a garage sale to get rid of closet clutter- plus it will make moving a lot easier!
Remember- first impressions count. You want the potential buyer to see your home in the best possible way.
