Pre-Listing Recommendations For Maximizing Profits

When you go to list your home for sale, there are several cost-effective things you can do to maximize its appeal and value. While it’s true that new kitchen and bathrooms will dazzle potential buyers, not all homes will have been recently remodeled and many that have been still may need some TLC before hitting the market. Here is my Pre-Listing Recommendations list of the top 10 most cost-effective things that will get you the most bang for your buck.

• I recommend painting your front door. Buyers are looking at everything, and the front door makes the first impression when they enter and the last on their way out.
• Spruce up the yard by removing dead plants and leaves, mow the lawn, trim overgrown shrubs and trees. If the lawn is dead, removing it and installing bark with drought resistant plants can instantly provide beautiful curb appeal to a front yard. Newly planted shrubs and trees often need to be watered every day or two, especially in the summer, so don’t forget to water.
• I recommend a deep clean. Even if you are a very clean and tidy person, a professional house cleaner will make your home sparkle! The appliances, the floor trim, ceiling fans and especially around the toilets should be cleaned before potential buyers come see your home. Professional house cleaners can clean the interior windows, but you may need to hire a separate window cleaning service to get the exterior windows. Professional window cleaners can take off the screens, wash them, and put them back on for you as well.
• Have old and cracked grout re-sealed. This is not a huge expense and makes the home condition appear loved and well cared for. The tile in the bathrooms and kitchen or the grout on the backsplash, is it cracked and/or stained? This is the time to re-grout and seal.
• Fill in holes. Still have holes on the wall where you used to hang a curtain rod, picture or towel rack? Have the holes filled so the buyers are not distracted by them.
• Painting walls, trim and ceilings for a fresh like-new feel can do wonders for a home. New paint on the exterior and interior can add up in cost but well worth it. Ask me how I might be able to save you money on paint.
• Carpet cleaning is essential to making the carpet look new. Sometimes there is an odor from the carpet cleaning, and it can take a while to dry, so it’s probably best to clean it at least a week or two before home-showings begin.
• Tub and sink resurfacing are worth the effort if they are currently stained and cracked.
• Replace your air filters. Buyers and their Realtors are looking at everything and they will notice if your air filter looks like it hasn’t been changed before. A dirty air filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder and indicates to potential buyers that the home may not have been well maintained.
• Refinish hardwood flooring to make it look new!
• Make sure all your lightbulbs are working or install new ones.

Take a fresh look at your home, do you see anything that has been on the back burner for a while? Sometimes folks feel like they don’t have much time to get all these things completed before their house hits the market but that’s why I am here to help. I can be there every step of the way to help you decide what should be done immediately and who to hire to get it done fast. I can even meet cleaners, contractors and handy people at your home if you are out of town or at work, if needed. Reach out to me for a complementary home value estimate and more Pre-Listing Recommendations.