Smart Ideas To Help Sell Your Home

Nelson J. Parnell

A little effort can pay big returns.

The first impression prospective buyers have when they come into your home can make a huge difference.  If your home appears clean, tidy and well maintained, they can begin imaging themselves living in it.  But if your home looks like it needs a lot of work, a prospective buyer may cross it off their list.  That is why www.byowner247.net has prepared this list of simple, effective ways to make your house look its best.

All systems go.

Replace heating and air conditioning filters.
Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint deterioration.
Check all decks patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose parts.
Check roof for loose or missing shingles, check ceiling and attic for water penetration.
Clean areas around indoor and outdoor heating/cooling equipment.
Inspect all faucets for corrosion or hard water deposits that slow water flow.
Have slow running drains cleaned.
Make sure all sinks and bathtub stoppers hold water.
Learn location of electrical service panels and label each circuit.
Have air conditioning condensation lines cleaned.
Contract with a reputable company for a home warranty plan.  It may significantly increase the perceived value of your home, help your home sell faster, help protect your budget from unexpected expenses and limit potential after-sale problems.

Work out the bugs.

Ask a reputable pest control service company to inspect your home for pests and termites and treat if necessary.  The sight of just one pest can dramatically affect the way a prospective buyer views your home.  Many lenders require a clearance letter stating the home is free from any wood destroying organisms, so it’s a good idea to have the inspection before closing.
Seal cracks and holes in the exterior of the home to prevent ants and other pests from entering.
Remove any debris from around your home that might harbor pests.
Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out in the open – your or your pet’s – to attract pests.

Make your home shine.

Clean upholstery and polish wood surfaces.  Clean and polish wood surfaces.  Clean, neat, well-kept rooms make a good impression and show your home in a favorable light.  Clean carpets and remove spots.  Clean walls and wax woodwork.  Clean, wax and polish all hard surface floors.  Clean windows inside and out – glass, frames and ledges.  Clean draperies and open to maximize natural light.  Clean bathrooms thoroughly – floors, walls, fixtures and tiles.  Clean kitchen ceiling, cabinets, appliances and fixtures;  wax and polish kitchen floor.  Clean attic, garage and other storage areas.  Clean closets and hang clothes neatly.  Store shoes, luggage and other articles neatly.  Clean your swimming pool until it sparkles.

Keep your home humming.

Use vinegar to clean mineral deposits off the heating element of your dishwasher.  Clean your disposal by pushing a full tray of ice cubes through it while running cold water.  Follow with a lemon for a fresh scent.  Check your water heater and drain pan for leaks or corrosion.  Check heating/air conditioning filters every month.  Clean the dryer lint screen after each loan of clothes has been dried and the unit is empty.  Once a year, clean the coils on the back or underneath refrigerator with a vacuum cleaner.

Increase your curb appeal.

Mow and edge your lawn regularly.  Prune and trim trees and shrubs.  Rake leaves and pick up fallen limbs.  Replace dead or diseased plants and shrubs.  Cover beds and gardens with 1 – 4 inches of mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weed growth and maintain uniform temperature.  Clean out flower beds and plant seasonal flowers to enhance the beauty of your yard.  Re-paint or re-stain lawn furniture.  Repair and re-pain fences, decks and screen doors.  Discard old or broker lawn furniture, flower pots and hanging baskets.  Sweep walkways, patio, decks, steps and porches.  Water your lawn, trees and shrubs regularly and consider fertilization.

Appearance is everything.

Use 75-watt bulbs to brighten rooms.  Arrange furniture to make rooms appear larger and provide maximum walk space.  Restore or repair damaged furniture or upholstery.  Repair or refinish damaged doors, molding and paneling.  Remove ashes and soot from fireplace, clean smoke marks.  Reface or paint kitchen and bath cabinets at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.  Polish and buff wood furniture to eliminate surface scratches and enhance the look of the room.  Sell or store extra furniture so that the house looks open and spacious.  Deodorize the entire house to remove unpleasant odors, such as mildew, smoke and cooking smells.

When you’re trying to sell your home, you need to make it stand out from the rest.

For more information please call:
Nelson J. Parnell
Americas First Home Mortgage Co., Inc.
GRLN 5682
www.americasfirsthomemortgage.net