Getting Your Property to Show to Buyers

A home that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well maintained.

From experience, I also know that a "well-polished" property appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for property because if what they can see is well maintained, they assume that what they can't see has probably also been well maintained. In readying your property for sale, consider:

  • how much should you spend to prepare your property for sale?
  • exterior and curb appeal
  • interior appeal

Before putting your home on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal.

How Much Should You Spend to Prepare Your Property for Sale?

In preparing your home for the market, consider your budget carefully and weigh what improvments will make the most difference. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive polishes and touch-ups, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen.

I am familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood and can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made and which improvements are most effective. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal

When preparing to put your property up for sale, your first concern is the home's exterior. If the outside, or "curb appeal" looks good, people will more than likely want to see what's on the inside. If you own a condominium, you may want to ask the manager to address any exterior issues prior to putting it on the market. Here are some tips to enhance your property’s exterior and curb appeal to buyers:

  • Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered.
  • Maintain your landscaping. 
  • Be sure your front door area has a "Welcome" feeling.
  • Paint the front door.
  • Check foundation, steps, walkways, walls and lanais for cracks and deterioration, and fix any problem areas.
  • Remove and repaint any peeling paint on doors and windows.
  • Clean and align gutters.
  • Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
  • Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
  • Reseal old asphalt.
  • Keep the garage door closed. 

Maximizing Interior Appeal

You want your home to look as spacious, bright and clean as possible. Also it should look neutral – without a lot of your personal and sentimental objects - so buyers can begin to imagine living there.

Many condominium properties are vacation homes that don't have too many personal belongings, however, for those that are second homes or primary residences, here are some tips to enhance your home’s interior appeal to buyers:

  • Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms actually rent storage garages and move half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
  • Use a professional cleaning service every few weeks while the house is on the market.
  • Remove the less frequently used, and even daily-used items from kitchen counters, closets, basement and attic to make these areas more inviting.
  • Make sure that table tops, dressers and closets are free of clutter.
  • Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms: they should look as modern, bright and fresh as possible. It is essential for them to be clean and odor free.
  • Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
  • Buy showy new towels for the bathroom, and put them out only for showings.
  • Spruce up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by installing new curtains/blinds and cabinet knobs, or applying a fresh coat of neutral paint.
  • Clean walls and doors of smudges and scuff marks.
  • If necessary, repaint dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
  • Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles.
  • Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
  • Inspect and repair the plumbing, cooling and alarm systems.
  • If the property is being sold furnished, consider preparing an inventory of exclusions prior to the listing, so that there is no confusion during the escrow process.