See Also: Inspecting a House Before You Buy
There is more to selling a home than putting out a sign. We offer a video that involves you in the process of: "packaging your home for the most appeal to your potential buyer". One of the first things you can do is ask your friends what they like about your house and what they dislike about it. Have them critique both the inside and outside. Then make a list from their input. Next visit other houses in your neighborhood that are for sale. Compare them to your house, see how their strengths and weaknesses compare to yours. What are your first impressions?
Step by step our video takes you through ways to improve the image of your house. You start in the front yard. Is junk, trash or dead grass there? If so that can be a place to begin your improvements. First impressions are crucial. When entering the front door add a welcome mat and plants. The video stresses appearance. Go for a neutral look. Clear away clutter. Filter out any disturbing noise with soft music. Remove kids and pets when showing off the house. Add plants and lights. Put your best china on the dinning room table. Scents count too use lemons or vanilla extract to enhance the house's aroma. Keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
Now there are certain areas that really add value to your home. Decks are a prime example while pools are not. Pools do not add value greater than cost of installation. While every house will have a kitchen and bathroom(s) the ones nicer facilities in this area will command a higher price. As for the rest of the house make sure that it is neat and if anything is damaged or broken it is repaired.
Finally let the buyer look around alone. In other words you don't have to follow them everywhere they go. Be honest when answering questions. The house will sell itself on its beauty and not your sales pitch.
See Also: Inspecting a House Before You Buy
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "