Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.
Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.
Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
Install new doorknobs on your front door.
Repair any cracks in the driveway.
Edge the grass around walkways and trees.
Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.
Clear toys from the lawn.
Buy a new mailbox.
Upgrade your outside lighting.
Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.
Clean your windows, inside and outside.
Polish or replace your house numbers.
Place a seasonal wreath on your door.

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.
Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.
Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.
Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

Staging Priorities

Must Do’s

De-clutter rooms
Empty closets
Spring clean
Neutralize look
Eliminate odors
Address pet stains
Remove valuables
Shampoo carpets
Remove or re-arrange furniture items
Store toys away
Pack unnecessary clothes/items

Should-Do’s

Minor Repairs
Mechanicals must be in working order
Paint in neutral colors
Remove dated wallpaper
Update lighting
Update hardware
Replace old carpets & linoleum
Focus on curb appeal – don’t forget the outside – first impressions!
Replace bathroom mats, curtain & towels

Nice-to-Do’s

Major Repairs
Organize garage
Organize basement
Organize & empty kitchen cabinets
Update doors
Update cabinets
Replace windows
Service or repair HVAC if needed
Update toilets & bathroom vanities

5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell

To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.

Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.
Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.
The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.
The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.
The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

What to Have on Hand for the New Owners

1. Owner’s manuals and warranties for appliances left in the house.

2. Garage door opener.

3. Extra sets of house keys.

4. A list of local service providers — the best dry cleaner, yard service, plumber, etc.

5. Code to the security alarm and phone number of the monitoring service if not discontinued.

6. As a courtesy, you could provide numbers to the local utility companies.

7. If it’s a condo, leave information on how to contact the condo board.

Words Of Wisdom – Advice for Sellers

Curb Appeal
Buyers will judge from the outside of a home whether or not they want to go inside. Pressure wash dirty siding & grimy decks. Kill mold & mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof & driveway. Remove unneeded garden tools. Clean the windows & gutters. Keep the sidewalks clean and clutter free & maintain the yard, with regular mowing and weed pulling. Trim any trees that may be touching or close to touching your roof. If your budget allows, a fresh coat of paint does wonders to enhance a homes curb appeal.
The Basics
Clean everything from top to bottom, not forgetting your oven & major appliances. Make sure your windows shine & are free of dirt. Kill any offensive odors right away, this is a major turn off to buyers and may result in them leaving without viewing the entire home. I would recommend clearing out as much furniture & toys as you can spare to achieve the feeling of more square footage, as well as removing any unneeded clutter. Do any touch up paint required both inside and out. Replace and old light bulbs with high volt light bulbs to make rooms appear brighter.
First Impressions Are Lasting
Buyers typically know within 30 seconds of walking into a house if it is going to fit their needs. Make your entry as appealing as possible. The front door greets the prospective buyer. Ensure it is freshly painted & clean. Upgrade old doorknobs & hardware.
Decorate for a Quick Sale
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in a new kitchen and wallpaper will pay dividends, and you can’t find a better investment, when you’re selling a house, than (a little putty) a few cans of paint to brighten up its interior.
Let the Sun Shine In
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms are not appealing!
Fix That Faucet
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
Repairs Can Make a Big Difference
Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from a home’s value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe there are 10 problems they haven’t noticed for everyone they do see.
From Top To Bottom
Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Short term, off-site storage areas are relatively inexpensive.
Safety First
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
Make Closets Look Bigger
Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample. A little money spent on closet organizers reaps large returns.
Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!
Arrange Bedrooms Neatly
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
Harmonize the Elements
FM radio or stereo on softly. TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the daytime, closed at night, If it’s hot, cool it; if it’s cold, light a fire.
You Can Sell Pride of Ownership Faster and For More Money
It’s called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you’ll take lots more silver out.

LET YOUR HOME “SMILE A WELCOME” TO POTENTIAL BUYERS