Longview Real Estate News

How your home can attract potential buyers

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“CLEANING 101”

The moment you signed the listing contract, you and your family became members of a lean mean cleaning machine. Organization and cleanliness become your battle cry. You are in control, complete control of the first impression your home will make to potential homebuyers. A house in disarray will show poorly, leaving a negative image in the buyer’s mind. The potential buyer must be a true visionary to overlook a messy house. An unkempt house can also cast doubts about how well you have maintained your home. Your home needs to sparkle and shine each time it is shown. The dates for the appraiser and the home inspection are other important days for special cleaning efforts.

Whether you have a mansion or a starter home, a clean, well maintained home can possibly add dollars to the selling price of your home. A pleasant atmosphere will enhance your home’s appeal. Soft lighting, fragrant aromas from the kitchen, soothing music can amplify your home’s charm to the potential buyer’s senses.

Any maintenance or repair items around the house need to be corrected prior to putting your house on the market. Refresh any chips in the paint on your trim, moldings, and cabinets.

For those who have a spotless house already, just continue what you are doing. For the rest of the world, at least temporarily, adhere to these cleaning routines during the period of time you have your home for sale.

The following tips will cost no more than the price of a few cleaning supplies and your time and effort. A daily cleaning routine will make your home shine during a realtor showing or open house.

Cleaning 101

1. Curb appeal - Buyers form a lasting perception about your home from the moment they see your driveway. Use these ideas for a great first impression:

a. Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly

b. Weed all flower beds and if possible layer with new mulch

c. Sweep porch and walkway

d. Place a pretty wreath or pot of blooming flowers at the front door

e. Lay a new welcome mat at the front door

f. Clean front door

g. Clean light fixture

h. Refresh the paint on the front door and surrounding trim if necessary

2. Lighting – your home needs to be well lit.

a. Be certain you have the maximum wattage bulb suggested for any lighting fixtures or lamps

b. Replace any burned out bulbs

c. If your house is showing at night, turn on porch light and any exterior lighting

d. Clean windows and screens

e. Open curtains and drapes

3. Potential buyers may be sensitive to certain odors in your home. To get rid of problems:

a. Empty trash cans

b. Shampoo carpets if necessary

c. Vacuum frequently

d. Bathe the pets (Speaking of pets, if your pet is aggressive to visitors, try and make arrangements for the dog to be contained during the showing. If your pet is an outside dog, remember the potential buyer will want to see the backyard, take appropriate measures to make this possible. Pick up any debris the dog may have scattered across the yard.)

e. Change the cat litter box daily

f. Clean out the fireplace

g. Boxes of baking soda will help to freshen smelly areas(try to hide them discreetly)

h. Be aware that cooking produces strong odors both good and bad(the aroma of fresh baked bread or cookies is wonderful)

i. Do not over scent your home with air freshener or scented candles(you never know what scent might bring about an allergic reaction in the potential buyer)

4. Bathroom –

a. Keep the commode seat down at all times

b. Clean any mold or mildew from the shower or tub

c. Mirrors must shine

d. Organize all the bathroom necessities and keep out of sight

e. Clean the counter top

f. The bathroom should smell fresh at all times (Spray a quick spurt of your favorite bathroom cleaner in the shower or tub daily)

g. Each morning, pick up the wet towels etc and carry to the utility room

h. Empty the trash can daily

i. Dry off or squeegee the shower door after every shower, make it sparkle

5. Kitchen-

a. Dirty dishes in the sink are a NO-NO

b. Empty the trash can daily

c. Organize under the sink, potential buyers often look at the plumbing

d. Clean the stove and oven of any spills or grease

e. Clean any spills or smudges from the front of the cabinet doors

f. Clean the stove exhaust vent

g. Replace the burner trays if possible

h. Pour baking soda in the garbage disposal and let sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing

i. Organize and de-clutter the cabinets and pantry (everyone will be looking in these areas)

j. Sweep the floor daily

k. Remove children’s pictures and drawing from the refrigerator door (go ahead and pack and label them, after all you will be moving soon!)

6. Closets

a. Clean and organize the closets (now is a great time to discard or store any items or clothing you no longer use)

b. The floor and top shelf must be free of clutter. All clothing must be either on a hanger or folded neatly

c. Place open baking soda box in each bedroom closet (hide discreetly)

7. Bedrooms

a. Make the beds every day

b. Clean clutter from all dressers and chest of drawers

c. Remember the closets must look clean and organized

8. Replace the air conditioner filter

9. Dust every day

10. Clean ceiling fan and blades

11. Clean all switch plate and door facings of dirt and fingerprints

12. If you have a pest problem take appropriate measures (dispose of dead bugs immediately)

13. Garage - your goal is to make this area seem as spacious as possible

a. Clean and organize

b. Keep the garage door down during a showing, especially if you have a front facing garage)

c. Since you will be moving anyway, have a garage sale and get rid of unnecessary items

If you will take 30 minutes each evening and 30 minutes each morning to straighten the house, your house should be presentable every day.

The following areas of improvement need to be addressed before showing your home.

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Good luck selling your home! If I can be of any further assistance, please give me a call.

Sincerely,

Carla Hale

Realtor

Summers Real Estate Group

2002 Judson Rd. Ste. 108

903-757-8686 Office

903-757-8282-Facsimile

903-235-6255 Cell

carla@carlahale.com

chdesigns@cablelynx.com

www.carlahale.com