If you are thinking of selling your home, you may consider a few of these tips from me! I have been a Realtor in the Lake Minnetonka area for 24 years.
Curb appeal is so important! You will not get a second chance to make a good first impression. You and perhaps a friend should approach the front of your home is if it is the first time you have been there. Look for Peeling paint, damaged siding or loose gutters. Clean up and trim your landscaping, add some new plantings, flowers and fresh mulch or rock. Sealcoat the driveway? Patch dead spots in the lawn from pets. Pay special attention around the front door where the buyers will be standing for minute while the agent unlocks the door.
When your buyers enter the front door what do they see? A clean rug, no shoes or boots laying in the entry and fresh, unmarked walls should welcome them. Do your best to avoid cooking foods that could have strong or offensive odors. I have seen sellers keep cookie dough at the ready and bake cookies just before the showing. It really is appealing, leave out a few cookies for the buyers.
They say less is more? Declutter rooms throughout the home. One less piece of furniture here and there will make rooms seem more spacious. Of course you can leave some family pictures up, but maybe limit the number of pictures on the shelves and tables. Borrow some better artwork from a friend or relative?
Turn on the lights! Bright rooms are far more inviting and warm. Open the blinds and let the sun shine in. If you have bright sun be sure and dust furniture regularly?
A clean home is a happy home. Clean the refrigerator, wash windows, straighten up cabinets and closets. I know this sounds picky but a serious buyer will look at storage and will be impressed by your neatness and it will extend through the showing! Newspapers, magazines and clothing picked up? Clean the carpeting of spots? Freshen up paint? Clean and straighten up the garage!
Finish up the home repairs you started. Change furnace filters and clean the air exchange filters. A freshly mowed lawn always looks nice!
Call me if you would like me to stop by and take a look at your home. I will give you my honest opinion and comments to help you prepare for showings.
Always at your service,
Tim Landon