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September 17th, 2018 by

Home Selling Checklist
Selling your house?  There's a lot to do when you're getting your home ready to sell. Our real estate agents at Cressy and Everett Real Estate are the local pros when it comes to buying and selling houses in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

You'll want to get started on the home-selling process as soon as possible.  Use this checklist to get your home looking its best when it's time for showings and open houses.

  1. Make the best first impression possible.
    Your home should look amazing from the second a potential buyer sees it. That means working on your curb appeal. It also means making your home look welcoming and safe on the outside. A place to sit and have your morning coffee on the patio, outside maintenance, and safety lighting are all worthwhile investments.

  2. Declutter and depersonalize living areas.
    Everyone has items they don't want or need and now is the time to part with them. You'll save yourself some work later since you won't have to pack them or pay to store them. Consider having a garage sale, sell online, or donate to charity. While you're going through your stuff, you'll also want to pack up personal items like family photos, vacation souvenirs, and custom artwork that distract buyers.

  3. Detail clean.
    Buyers notice everything and look everywhere. Be extremely thorough and get those areas that get overlooked or infrequently cleaned. Some suggestions are corners, behind furniture, baseboards, and trim, under sinks, inside the oven and microwave, window sills, and light fixtures. Pay particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms.

  4. Paint.
    It's an inexpensive, high impact fix. Stick to neutrals. They offer broad appeal, and since no one hates them, you won't risk triggering any negative emotions about your house.

  5. Finish projects and make repairs. Indoors and out.
    If you have an unfinished project, hobby or home related, get it out of the way. If it's a home repair project, it's even more important to get it done. Buyers notice loose door handles, squeaky hinges, and cracked trim.

  6. Maximize light.
    Cleaning and painting help, especially cleaning the windows. Make sure furniture isn't blocking windows, switch to sheer window treatments, and use the highest wattage bulbs that are safe for your light fixtures.

  7. Add some green.
    A houseplant or two is always an excellent addition to a room. The green adds a little color, and a natural element makes the room look more relaxed and inviting.

  8. Get rid of pet stains and odors.
    Your potential buyer may love pets, but they don't want to smell yours. Hire a professional to clean carpets and remove stains. Pet beds should be washed or replaced. Same with litter boxes. Clean tanks or cages of smaller animals and change any bedding material.

  9. Make plans for pets and kids.
    You'll need to leave when your house during showings, so make arrangements ahead of time to keep the kids busy and get the pets out of the house. You may want your pet to temporarily stay with a friend or relative while your home is on the market.

  10. Consider professional staging services.
    The National Association of REALTORS® reports staging a home helps it sell faster and for more money. And that's something almost every homeowner wants.

Hiring a great real estate agent will make your entire home-selling process much more manageable. They'll be able to help you set an appropriate listing price, market your home, and ensure all the details are in place.

Contact a Cressy & Everett Real Estate office near you to work with our team of local Michiana real estate experts.

Categories: Selling Your Home

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