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1674 Highway 395/P.O. Box 960
Minden, Nevada 89423
775-782-7111
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Home Seller's Guide
Preparing the Sale
PREPARING TO SELL
Of course, any major repairs should be completed before showing the house, if a top selling price is expected. Limit your repairs to functional parts of the house, such as the roof, plumbing, and major appliances. Cosmetic changes like new carpeting and draperies may not match your future buyer's tastes and could even discourage the sale.
The key words to remember in preparing your house are not neat and clean...sparkling clean...clean enough for royalty to visit. Take a look at your house as if you were seeing it for the first time. You may not notice crowded closets and untidy flower beds, but potential buyers will!
Make a list of jobs and begin the work today.
INSIDE & OUT
Outside
When potential buyers drive up to your house, what they see on the outside will make a lasting first impression. Keep the grass mowed, edged, and the weeds pulled. Trim trees and bushes away from windows. Place children's toys in the garage. Plant some flowers to add a touch of color. If your house needs painting, do it now. A good paint job will more than pay for itself in the selling price. Try to maintain the neighborhood look when choosing paint; you don't want your house to be remembered as "the green one with the blue door."
Remove oil stains from the driveway. Buy an inexpensive drip pan to avoid further stains. Replace a weather-beaten mailbox. Make sure your doorbell works. Repair torn screens. Clean outdoor light fixtures. Repair loose brickwork and fill cracks in the walk and driveway. In other words, make your house a showpiece from the curb to the front door.
Inside
A coat of paint will brighten interior walls. Choose neutral shades of white, off-white, beige, or light pastels that will coordinate with most decors. This inexpensive investment will increase the showability of your house.
Clear out closets and cupboards. Have a garage sale or donate your unused items to charity. With less clutter, your closets will appear bigger. Remove all unnecessary furniture to make your rooms seem more spacious.
Open the curtains and pull up the blinds. Turn on as many lights as possible. Give your house an airy look. Fresh flowers bring color, fragrance, and a touch of spring that enhances a room.
Bathrooms should be absolutely spotless. Remove stains from fixtures, repair dripping faucets, and polish the mirrors. Add sanitizers to toilet bowls and keep lids down. Wash and fluff bathroom rugs, hang fresh towels. Potpourri or scented soaps add a nice fragrance to the air.
A clean kitchen tells the buyer that the house has been well cared for. Remove excess pots, pans, bowls, and clutter from the cupboards. Clean the oven inside and out. Run a lemon through the garbage disposal for a fresh smell. Make sure all appliances are working.
When a sales associate is showing the house, keep children and pets under control. Also, turn off televisions and stereos. The noise may distract tired clients, causing them to overlook many fine features.
Check garages and basements for debris. A two-car garage should have plenty of space for two cars. Brighten basements with the highest wattage lighting allowed and clear away cobwebs.
Finally, let your sales associate show the house. He or she knows the business and will present your property to its best advantage. In many cases, potential buyers will not thoroughly inspect the house if the owner is present. Let the professional do the talking.
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