Getting your home ready for Sale!



When it comes time to sell your home; you will want to sell your home as smooth and quick as possible. Keep in mind that there are some things that need to be addressed in order to have the best transaction possible. The Colorado Real Estate Commission has a form that is required for the seller of real estate to fill out when listing a property for sale. This form is called the “Seller’s Property Disclosure”. This form is based on the seller’s current actual knowledge of the property. It asks about the working condition of different appliances, the electrical system, heating and cooling, water systems, environmental conditions, structural conditions and other disclosures. It also asks if certain items are included in the purchase of the home. It is not required that you make repairs to the items on the property, but you must disclose the condition. It is a good idea to start thinking about items that you are willing to fix in order to make the sale. It is also important to note that certain types of financing (VA, FHA) and some lenders have specific standard for the condition of a home in which they will allow a new mortgage.

The best way to present your home




Curb appeal

The first impression someone will get of your home is when they pull into the driveway. So make sure it looks good. Keep trashcans out of sight and the yard free of debris. Make sure the lawn is cut, weeds are pulled and the trees are trimmed. Walk out to the sidewalk and take a look. Do you notice that the windows look dirty? Are the gutters full of leaves? Do you see cobwebs in the front door entrance? These are things that a buyer is sure to notice upon arrival.

Clean from the inside out

Now that you have interest peaked, keep up this positive image inside of your house as well. When a potential buyer walks into your home for the first time, expect them to be critical of every little detail. Do not become defensive of this, it’s a natural reaction. Instead be ready for it. The old saying that I was told when I first started real estate was “Light, Bright, And White sells”. So if you are planning on painting or remodeling your home before you sell it try to stay with brighter, neutral colors. Keeping your house clean is very important. Buyers will be paying special attention to the baseboard, doorjambs, and windowsills. Make sure you pay special attention to all the nooks and crannies of your home, and consider repainting rooms that are starting to look a little rough. Make your carpets and floors look as new as you can. Shampooing carpets to get out dirt and stains will give your floor a fresh cared for look. The two most important rooms in the house are the kitchen and the bathroom. These rooms are often the most looked at rooms in the buying process. Make sure tiles and grout are clean and in good repair. Bleach the tub and sink in order to make them sparkling white. If you have a dripping faucet, repair it. Make sure the tub and toilet are clean and free of molds and mildews. Consider re-caulking if needed.

Show off all your space
One of the most important things that a homebuyer looks for when home shopping is space. If your home looks cluttered from too much furniture or other items, consider moving some of it out. Your garage, storage areas, and closets should be well organized and clean. You may want to consider having a garage sale before you list your home in order to clean out items that are no longer wanted or needed.

The final check

Once you have cleaned, scrubbed, repaired, and cleaned some more, take one more walk through your home. This time walk through as though you were the buyer. Take note as too what you like, and don’t like. Spruce up things that can be spruced up rather easily, and consider your options on items that will require more work and cost. I hope you have found this information useful. If you have any questions about listing your home, or have any other Real Estate need please feel free to call me anytime or you may email me at www.quality1sthomes@msn.com.