If you are planning to sell a home in Elkhart County, you can’t just put it on the market straightaway. You can prepare your home in several ways. Here is a checklist that will help you get more than just the basics in order. One of the first places that create an impression is the exteriors of your home. Here are ways in which to improve it:
- If you have the space for a lawn and some hedging, take the trouble to get in a few professionals to landscape the area neatly for you. Nothing looks more inviting than a well-kept lawn and some flowering bushes.
- Depending on the season, you may want to give your existing lawn an extra dose of fertilizer, as this will make your grass look beautifully green and exquisite.
- If you do have shrubs, make the effort to trim them down nicely and remove anything that obstructs light coming into your home.
- If it’s been a while since your home has seen a fresh coat of paint, now would be the time to do it. If nothing else, paint over the window shutters and the panes.
- Give your driveways and walkways a thorough cleaning.
- Look at the roof as well as the gutters and make all the necessary repairs.
- Do up your front door so that it looks attractive and welcoming.
- Give your mailbox a nice shiny coat of paint and if you do not have one, get one!
- A nice new mat on the front porch would be great.
The main places that a woman would look into, especially those keen on buying a home is the kitchen and of course the bathrooms; so you should put some work into these areas to create an impression.
- Spring clean all the cabinets to begin with. Clean them well, line them and arrange all your items again neatly.
- If you have an oven range, make sure the hood is squeaky clean. The same goes for the sink and the insides of the oven as well.
- Scrub your kitchen floor until it is spotless.
- All appliances that aren’t used on a daily basis should be stowed away.
When it comes to the bathrooms, make it a point to:
- Fix any faucets that are dripping. These tend to spoil the look of the sink and often give the impression that the plumbing is faulty.
- Always keep some fresh towels handy in the bathroom. No one likes to look at everyday dirt and grime.
- Scrub your toilet bowl as well as the bathtub until they are their original color. If necessary, you could use caulk as well.
- If you have any drains that are a bit slow, use drain cleaners to unclog them.
One of the most important spaces in the house is the living room and here is how you can spruce it up:
- If you have drywalls, then look for any cracks or holes that need attention.
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures tend to bring in a lot of dirt and grime, clean them thoroughly.
- If you are planning on repainting the house, stick to good and often preferred colors and themes.
- It would be a good idea to get your best linen and curtains out at this time.
- A fireplace will need thorough cleaning, as will your windows.
- You will also need to fix windows, insulation and any broken screens. Also, make sure the windows do not squeak when you open them. You should also be able to lock them down tight.
- Make sure all your light fixtures have bulbs in them that work.
- Check all light bulbs and replace them if necessary.
- All your closets have to be clean and sliding partitions well oiled.
- Rooms with air vents have to be cleaned well.
The garage and the attic are also places that you will have to give some special attention. Repair any major cracks that you can see and remove any oil stains. Also, check on the opening and closing of the garage door and the security locks for it.
Finally, when you are actually showing the house to people, make sure that you allow as much natural light as your house permits. It gives the impression of the house being expansive. If the showing is at night, leave the porch light on and your exterior lighting as well. Have all the rooms in presentable condition with the beds made, the sink empty and the TV cranked down low. Never have stray toys around the house.
It would be a good idea to leave the house showing to an experienced realtor. At the time of the showing, it would make sense to take your pets and leave giving the prospective buyers the space to get a feel of the house.
