Inside Real Estate: Home Atmosphere for Selling

When selling your house, there are a variety of things you can do to maximize your home's appeal and value. Remember that many buyers are looking at multiple houses, so it's important to help your house make a good impression. We'll talk about six major aspects of your home and what you can do to improve them. Previously, we talked about curb appeal, interior maintenance, exterior maintenance, kitchen and bathrooms, and garages, carports and sheds.

The last aspect we'll talk about is atmosphere. Rather than being a specific area of your home or kind of work, creating atmosphere is about making a prospective buyer's first experience of your home pleasant. These added touches help your home shine.

Suggestions:

• Turn on lights and open drapes
• Light candles or put out fresh flowers
• Play quiet background music
• Turn on air conditioner or heater as appropriate
• Be absent during showings and keep pets outside or confined

Inside Real Estate: Preparing Garages, Carports and Sheds for Selling

When selling your house, there are a variety of things you can do to maximize your home's appeal and value. Remember that many buyers are looking at multiple houses, so it's important to help your house make a good impression. We'll talk about six major aspects of your home and what you can do to improve them. Previously, we talked about curb appeal, interior maintenance, exterior maintenance, and kitchen and bathrooms.

Another area for special attention is garages, carports, and sheds. These outside spaces are still an important part of your property, and making sure they are clean and organized is part of your home's presentation.

Suggestions:

• Clean and declutter the garage, carport and/or shed
• Replace burned out bulbs in exterior and interior lights
• Clean up cobwebs
• Remove oil stains from floors
• Lubricate, adjust and repair garage door(s)
• Organize and put away tools, gardening equipment, and lawn mower

Inside Real Estate: Kitchen and Bathroom Prep for Selling

When selling your house, there are a variety of things you can do to maximize your home's appeal and value. Remember that many buyers are looking at multiple houses, so it's important to help your house make a good impression. We'll talk about six major aspects of your home and what you can do to improve them. Previously, we talked about curb appeal, interior maintenance and exterior maintenance.

Now we'll talk about a few specific areas of your home. Kitchens and bathrooms can have a great influence on a potential buyer and should ideally be spotless before a showing. It's important that they be organized, both on counters and in cabinets, and free of mold, mildew and unpleasant odors.

Suggestions:

• Clean all kitchen appliances, inside and out
• Replace all burned out or old light bulbs
• Clean floors and light fixtures
• Deodorize and clean disposal, dishwasher and refrigerator
• Fix leaky faucets
• Clean shower door or replace shower curtain
• Put out fresh towels on towel racks
• Remove soap residue and lime deposits from sink, shower and bathtub
• Make sure toilet flushes properly and is clean