Buyers & Sellers

When buying or selling your property there are many factors to consider. They range from the price and location to the level of marketing and the condition of the property. Though all these have a major part, the most important role in buying or selling is your preparation and understanding of the process. The steps you take determine how fast and smooth your transaction closes.

Overview of the Buying & Selling Process

Preparing the Property to be Sold

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price. Keep in mind that buyer impressions are quickly formed as they approach your property for the first time. A maintained property generates positive feelings in a buyer while clutter, disarray and neglect generate fears of future troubles and costly repairs.

Here are some steps you can take to improve the appearance of your home and help generate a better impression while it is being shown. Let's start with the outside:

Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor. Make sure you hit the window trimming as well.
Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
Mow and edge the lawn. Remove dead branches from trees, remove dead plants and prune overgrown shrubs.
Close garage doors.
Put colorful flowers in front of house.
Make sure exterior lights are operating.
Clean out gutters.
Replace any missing shingles or tiles on the roof
Windows – make sure the windows operate freely and that all cracked panes are replaced.
Driveway – make sure all cracks and potholes are patched and either resurface or reseal it.
Patios – stain any wood surfaces, repaint proper areas and make sure fencing is secure.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.

Put new paint on the front door.
Buy a new door mat.
Make sure the door bell is operating properly.
Polish door knobs and handles.
Oil the hinges.

Next, let's take a look at your entry way and rooms:

Entry lights operating.
Floors, carpets and closets cleaned. Wax or refinish where necessary.
Closet light operating.
Polish all woodwork. Repaint or stain if necessary.
Remove excess large furniture so rooms are not cluttered or crowded. Reposition furniture to provide more space.
Free floors of clutter.
Repair cracks in ceilings and walls
Repair leaks and paint over watermarks
Wipe down every wall.
Secure wallpaper where necessary.
Wash insides of windows.
Clean curtains, drapes and blinds and make sure drapes and blinds are left open.
Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
Secure handrails and stairway runners.
Make beds.
Put away all hobby supplies and laundry.
Large appliances and items that are not part of the sale (plants, drapes, chandeliers, etc) should be tagged.

The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive:

Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
Remove appliances from counters.
Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).
Make sure the sink is free of stains and that the faucet doesn't drip.
Arrange pantry items and replace hardware in pantry if necessary.
Test appliances for proper working order, even if the appliance is moving with you.
Major appliances that are not part of the sale should be tagged

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
Polish all fixtures.
Remove stains from sink, toilets and bathtubs.
Repair faucets, grouting and tiles where necessary.
Store supplies where they are immediately visible.
Open windows.
Hang bright, fresh towels.
Use air freshener.
Display colorful soaps.

Properties with a basement seem to receive extra close attention to detail. It is here that small issues like bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay can show future problems.

Clean out the basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
Ensure there is plenty of lighting.
Sweep or vacuum the floor.
Stack items neatly against walls.
Remove any evidence of previous water penetration. Be sure to remove any dampness and cover cold water pipes.
Make sure that dehumidifiers and sump pumps are working properly.
Use an air freshener to clean out musty odors.

Additional ambiance can be generated by:

Have casual music playing at a low volume during the day and during all showings.
Make sure all your curtain and drapes are pulled back during the day and all your lights and lamps, both inside and outside, are on when showing in the evening.
Keep pets locked outside during the day and remove them from the home during showings.
Keep children quiet during showings.

It's a good idea to meet with your real estate agent before you take on any major projects. The agent should be able to help you determine which projects make sense from a sales standpoint.