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Tips For Sellers

How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

When preparing your home for sale, keep in mind the likely buyer for your home. Most people are looking for a clean, well-maintained space they can call their own. They are also looking for an emotional connection with a place that seems safe, private and cheerful. Buyers are usually stretching financially to afford a home and are therefore most often looking for a place that doesn’t need much work.

If you are not working with a professional stager, consider these 7 steps to prepare your home for sale. Your agent will be happy to walk through your home with you to help decide where your energies would best be spent. We can recommend tradespeople to help you if you’d like. Just contact us!

  • Start by removing over-large, damaged, dirty or extra furniture
  • No overstuffed closets allowed- fold towels in neat stacks, organize dishes and food
  • Closets should be neat and fresh
  • Books should all fit neatly on shelves
  • Decorate with simplicity
  • The idea is to make your spaces seem larger, but not empty
  • Minimize knickknacks, family photos, magazines and potted plants. Pick your favorites that are in the best condition and add beauty to your home.
  • Consider renting a storage unit for all the extra things you have, or as a last resort, store in the garage
  • Clean from top to bottom, especially bathrooms and kitchens
  • Wash windows inside and out
  • Clean mirrors, photos and art glass
  • If walls and woodwork cannot be rendered spotless, consider painting
  • Clean and buff hardwood floors
  • Take a long and critical look at wall-to-wall carpeting. Clean rugs. Expose hardwood floors wherever possible.
  • Grout cracked tiles, caulk around tubs, showers and sinks if necessary
  • Assess window coverings. Let as much light in as possible while on the market.
  • Make sure that everything works properly, from appliances to light fixtures to the front doorbell. 
  • Get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords.
  • Check for odors, especially if you have or have had pets. Hide litter boxes. Use potpourri in bathrooms.
  • Fresh flowers, bowls of fruit and lemons can be used throughout the house
  • Now is a great time to buy new bath towels, bedclothes, pot holders and dish towels
  • Use fresh bars of soap in bathrooms
  • Put away family toiletries
  • Outside, make sure your home looks inviting. Shopping for a home can be exhausting. Some prospective buyers won’t get out of the car if the house doesn’t look appealing from the street.
  • Mulch, but use attractive mulch, and one without a strong scent
  • Use pots of flowers by the front doorway
  • A little landscaping or a few new plants can go a long way
  • Trim any overgrown plants, especially those blocking pathways or windows
  • Paint the front door, and polish the hardware
  • Replace the welcome mat
  • Remove any cars, equipment, toys or other debris from the yards and driveway
  • Mow and edge the lawn, weed the garden and clean the pathways
  •  
  • Remove slippery throw rugs 
  • Fix loose steps 
  • Remove dangerous chemicals; put medicine out of reach
  • Have pets in an enclosure, or arrange for them to be out of the home during showings
  • Ensure that all decks, railing, ponds, etc. are childproofed
  • Remove small, tempting items from surface areas, such as jewelry on your dresser
  • Expensive electronic equipment or cameras should not be on display
  • Prescription drugs should be removed from medicine cabinets and stored away
  • Delicate and expensive items should not be anywhere they could be bumped into

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About Greg

Seller's Guide

Work With Greg

Greg Novak brings hands-on experience in property management, investing, and renovation to every transaction. His deep knowledge of East Bay neighborhoods helps clients make smart, confident decisions. He works tirelessly to secure the highest and best results in the shortest amount of time. Contact Greg today to schedule a consultation and start achieving the best outcome for your home.

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Contact Details

Greg Novak | CA DRE# 01721382

Phone

(510) 472-4770

Email

[email protected]

Address

1031 MacArthur Boulevard San Leandro, CA 94577

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