There are so many details that the home owner can affect and some are accomplished with just elbow grease!
In explaining the preparation of the house for sale, it is best to clarify to your clients that the house is no longer their home. It is a product that they are selling. Once this is established, it is easier for the homeowners to see the changes that need to be made without getting defensive about their cleanliness or d'cor (or lack thereof!).
As their agent, it is best for you to walk through the house room by room with the home owners. In each room, check the condition of the paint, flooring, plumbing, and electrical. Both the inside and outside of the door needs to be in good shape. Paint is a quick and cost effective way to spruce up the house. A professional cleaning can do wonders for an old carpet. Make sure to choose neutral colors when replacing carpets and paint.
A very important step in preparing the house for sale is DE CLUTTERING. Remove any unnecessary appliances, accessories, and photos. Remember, the buyer wants to picture themselves in the house. By presenting the de-cluttering as a way to kick start the moving process, you can take the sting out of telling them to put away the photo of Grandma Sue. Any extra d'cor and furnishings need to be removed and stored. Don't use up all of the storage space in the house-as it then looks like there is no storage!
Once the de-cluttering is done, the furniture needs to be edited to bare minimum. This brings a feeling of spaciousness to any size room. By placing furniture to emphasize the positive attributes of the house, such as a grand fireplace or wide open entryway, you are directing the potential buyers to see the house in its most positive light.
The most effective tip that you can give your clients is to CLEAN the house. If you think that they can afford it, recommend that they hire someone to do a professional cleaning. Remind them that the insides of closets and cupboards and appliances will be viewed. Move pet beds and litter boxes to a place out of sight and out of smell.
It is a lot of work to prepare a house for sell-but there is a carrot at the end of the stick. Every effort that they make will bring more money to the bottom line. It is that simple.
