It?s no secret that we love to share helpful and interesting real estate-related articles when we come across them, and this week we found one on www.thebalance.com on preparing your house for sale through prepping and staging. Here?s a brief recap of the tip-filled article:
? Learn to let go. While it won?t be easy, try to disassociate yourself from your home and think of it as a product to be sold. Set aside your emotions and try not to look back. Go room by room and pack up the personal photographs and family heirlooms.
? De-clutter! Rule of thumb: If you haven?t used something in over a year, you probably don?t need it. So, get rid of it! Also, remove books from bookcases, appliances from the kitchen counters, and place all non-essential items into boxes. Whatever is left should be orderly and neat.
? Rent a storage unit. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Leave just enough furniture in each room to highlight the actual purpose of the room.
? Make minor repairs. Take a look around the entire house and repair cracked floors and counter tiles, patch holes in the walls, fix leaky faucets, give a fresh coat of paint using neutral colors, replace burned-out lightbulbs, etc.
? Make it sparkle, inside and out. Wash the windows, clear out cobwebs, re-caulk tubs and sinks, clean out the refrigerator, vacuum, replace worn rugs, hang fresh towels, etc.
? Create curb appeal. How does your house look from the street? Paint faded trim, plant bright flowers in season, trim bushes, and last but not least, make sure your house number is visible!