Get Your House Ready to Show to Buyers

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

From experience, Terri knows that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster for a higher price. Buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home. If what they see is well maintained, they assume that what they can't see has also been well maintained.

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

  • In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible.
  • There is a big difference between minor, and inexpensive touch-ups.
  • Avoid doing costly renovations when new cabinet knobs and fresh paint will do the trick.

Terri is familiar with buyers' expectations in and around Moscow, and can advise you 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

If the "curb appeal" looks good, people will more than likely want to see what's on the inside.

  • Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered.
  • Regularly trim hedges and weed lawns and flowerbeds.
  • Paint the front door.
  • Flower pots near your front entrance in the Spring and Summer.
  • Keep walkways cleared of snow and leaves in the Fall and Winter.
  • Fix cracks/deterioration in foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios.
  • Repaint any doors and windows that are weathered.
  • Clean and align gutters.
  • Clean the chimney.
  • Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
  • Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
  • Reseal old asphalt.
  • Keep the garage door closed.
  • Store RVs and old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.

Maximizing Interior Appeal

You want your home to look as spacious, bright, clean and inviting as possible.

  • Put away sentimental and personal items so the home will look neutral.
  • Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning.
  • Use a professional cleaning service while the house is on the market.
  • Make sure that table tops, dressers and closets are free of clutter.
  • Clean curtains and cabinet knobs.
  • Apply a fresh coat of paint.
  • Clean walls and doors of smudges and scuff marks.
  • Check for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
  • Reseal basement walls if any signs of dampness or leakage.
  • Repair cracks and holes in walls and tiles.
  • Replace cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
  • Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.