Checklist of what to do to get your house market ready

Ardie/WI · #21 04/12/13, 08:57 AM

Try to keep the house smelling nice.

The easiest way I've found is to keep small containers of vinegar sitting around all rooms. I go to Goodwill and look for decorative, but unobtrusive small vases,jars and pots and keep them filled with vinegar.

The house smells, as my DH puts it, neutral.

TheMartianChick · #22 04/12/13, 12:42 PM

No advice to share... Just want to wish you good luck on the sale!

BigHenTinyBrain · #23 04/12/13, 02:08 PM

Look around. ANYTHING that is personal or exhibits any of your personality (cute signs on the wall, pictures, art) comes down and goes into storage. Take EVERYTHING off of the counter tops and tables. Clear EVERYTHING off of the front of your fridge.

ALL OF IT. How many buyers have I shown houses to who made a comment about the small appliances, or the "country" signs or the amazing print on the wall, or the kid's artwork on the fridge? All of them.
It's hard, you're proud of your kids or your stuff or your taste, but that isn't what you are selling and it's distraction. Do you want people to look at your stuff or your walls, ceilings and floors? Plus, this is a freebie. Costs nothing to box that stuff up first and keep it safe and out of sight.

Also, if you don't have an agent, call round and get a free CMA. It's free. Then use that number when you decide to sell, or at least start your planning with that number. No homeowner (myself included) can accurately price their own house. You will be thinking of the dollars you put in, which have absolutely no bearing on what you get back.