7 Tips on Prepping Your House for Sale

I found a home! I found a home!

It took a couple of tries, but literally, the third offer we constructed was the golden one. Hubby and I looked at more than 50 homes in the eastern suburbs before landing one in Woodbury. Now I just can't wait for that closing date.

Reflecting back on the homes we saw, you would be surprised at how people really kept up their homes. I'm not talking clothes on the floor or unmade beds. But just how I got the feeling of, "Hey, I really don't care if you buy this home. I mean, you can take it or leave it. You are the fifth showing this week, so really, whatever."

My list below are the home selling "rules" I saw broken over and over again.

I don't want to see it. You don't want me to see it.  it. How many HGTV shows have said "Take all the personal photos etc down?" Take heed!

It shows you either haven't done a deep clean on your home in who-knows-how-long. Or you just don't care. Either way, I'm thinking—if there are cobwebs all over the place, what else are they not seeing in the home?

Hey, good luck with selling your house if you don't allow showings. In our search, we had THREE homeowners tell us "No." That it wasn't the right time or whatever. Our agent was flabbergasted. We lived out of state and it wasn't as if we could come by tomorrow. We never asked for a showing on those homes again. You get one time. One.

Again, the cobweb thing and just general clutter. This is the FIRST impression of your home buyers get. While our agent was futzing with the key lock, we just stood there and saw all the cobwebs, spiders and dead leaves gathering in your front door. 

Put away the KitchenAid mixer, the toaster, etc. and show off how much SPACE you have on that counter. Otherwise, I'm not seeing it.

Because guess what? Eventually a home inspector will be going through your home! Gasp!! So if a sink leaks—fix it! If you are missing doors, screens—put some on! Because the buyer will be asking for those things anyway and in the end, you want the buyer to ask for the LEAST amount of concessions.

New paint? New carpet? It really does go far. Even if you just do a deep clean on your carpet, buyers can tell. Also, try to minimize the fact that you have animals. Remove all animal toys, litter boxes and water dishes.

One last thought—we humans like "stuff."

I was there with you when I sold my house and you wouldn't believe how much I donated. Start de-cluttering and sorting as if your house is sold. And don't just move it to the garage. Move it out completely and you'll make yourself feel much better.

Are there any buyers out there who would add to this list? Sellers—do you agree or disagree with my findings?