|
Home
| Seller's Guide |
Getting Ready
Clean Up, Fix Up, Or
Toss Out
Today, the home that stands out among similarly-priced houses
is the home that sells. Why? Because it makes a good first
impression that lasts right to the settlement table.
You may not be able to improve the market value of your
house (finish basement, remodel kitchen, etc.), but you
can improve its marketability. And usually this can be done
with more elbow grease than hard cash. The key is to put
yourself in the buyer’s shoes. In fact, if you drop
by some open houses (you may soon be a buyer yourself),
you’ll pick up some pointers. Then practice making
your house as appealing and uncluttered as the home you
wish to buy.
Here are some areas of the house to think about when you're
getting ready to sell:
Exterior
Start here with “curb appeal”. Basics: A trim
lawn, well-proportioned shrubs. Remove garden hoses, lawn
tools, dog house and toys from the yard. Check for flat-fitting
roof shingles; straight lines on gutters, shutters, windows
and siding; solid caulking around frames and seams; paint.
Clean, or even paint, the front door. Keep walks and steps
free of snow and ice. Extras: Brass door knocker. Seasonal
door decorations. Wrought iron lamp posts. Small landscaped
courtyard. Flower beds.
Front
hall
Aura and atmosphere give a hint of what’s inside. Basics:
Light (from window, skylight, lamp or overhead fixture;
perhaps even use a stronger light bulb). For evening inspection,
turn on every light in the house for a welcoming glow. Make
sure the house smells fresh and clean. Make sure that the
woodwork is unmarred and the carpeting spotless. A fresh
coat of paint is a good investment, and it’s most appealing
in a neutral tone, since strong color is so subjective.
Remove unsightly or worn throw rugs. Extras: Door chime.
Dead bolt lock and chain.
Living
room
Strive for a lived-in, cozy feeling. Discard worn, chipped
or frayed furniture. Open curtains. Furnishings here and
throughout the house should be well placed and in good repair.
Set out fresh flowers, and even put a drop of bath oil or
vanilla on light bulbs for a subtle scent.
Kitchen
Many buyers judge the house by the way the oven and stove
are kept. Basics: Appliances should be spotless and in perfect
working condition. Replace or repair anything that sticks,
squeaks or drips. Counter, cooking, cabinet and eating spaces
should be kept open and uncluttered, without countertop
appliances. Clean butcher block. Floors and walls should
be in inviting light colors, and serviceable (resistant
to grease and moisture).
Master
bedroom
The second-most appealing room to the buyer (after the kitchen,
before the garage). Basics: Uncluttered furnishings; defined
areas (sleeping, dressing, sitting) by furniture arrangement.
Show the true size of closets by removing or packing items
that can be stored elsewhere (since you’re moving away),
like off-season clothes.
Bathrooms
Practicality combines with attractiveness. Basics: Sink,
toilet, bathtub, tile, even shower curtains should be immaculate.
Fix leaky faucets—rust stains indicate faulty plumbing.
Repair caulking and grouting. Minor flaws suggest neglect
to the prospect. Light should be soft (no harsh fluorescents),
but bright. Extras: Use some potpourri for a pleasant scent.
Recreation
room
An atmosphere of relaxation, fun and activity should pervade.
Basics: Open space to accommodate an assortment of activities.
Make sure the fireplace or wood stove is clean, with fresh
logs. Extras: Track lighting; ceiling fan.
Garage
Convenience is the key here (the perfect garage holds only
cars). Basics: Uncluttered space. Sell, giveaway or toss
unnecessary articles. Clean oily cement floor. Strong overhead
light (fluorescent or bulb). Orderly storage area, tidy
workbench.
Basement
Organize, hang tools on peg boards, and
put items on shelves. Cure damp smell by placing bag of
limestone in damp area. Clean the water heater outside,
change the furnace filter and make inspection- access easy.
Brighten the basement by painting walls.
Attic
Yes, it’s for sale, too. Tidy it up. Light it up. Again,
pack anything you’re going to move. Get rid of the
rest. Be sure your energy-saving insulation is apparent
and the air vent works.
Questions
And Answers
Should we redecorate?
The big problem in major redecorating arises because it
is very difficult to anticipate the tastes of strangers.
Best to stick to fresh paint in very neutral colors and
present a sparkling clean house without the redecorating
expense.
Is it possible to over improve?
Yes. Your landscaping may be divine. You may have the only
cabana and swimming pool in the neighborhood, but it may
be difficult to sell a $450,000 home in an area of $420,000
homes. Consult your listing broker to determine if added
improvement means added marketability.
Are "fixing up expenses" tax deductible?
Yes. You can reduce your taxable capital gain by “fixing
up”, but only under strict guidelines. Check with your
tax consultant for details.
Many states now require that sellers provide buyers with
either a residential property disclosure or a disclaimer
statement.
|
