When it comes to selling your house, it’s a lot easier to catch the big repairs than to see the small details. But buyers notice it all, and even one squeaky door can signal issues to them. Here are a few last-minute, easy tweaks that make a big difference.
Clean/replace blinds
Dirty blinds are an eyesore, and you can easily clean them with a damp cloth. Broken blinds are easy to replace, and make a huge visual difference. Even knotted-up strings, missing wands and crooked hardware can turn off potential buyers. They see the replacements necessary as the result of poor maintenance.
Silence squeaky doors and drawers
Potential buyers will cringe at the sound of a squeaky door or drawer that you’ve totally tuned out. Grab a $7 can of silicone spray from your local hardware store, and spray down all door hinges and drawer tracks.
Expand your horizons
Rooms feeling cramped? Hide extra furniture such as ottomans and side tables that crowd areas, or store unused items that detract from the space. Open blinds and windows to bring in more natural light and visual space. Replace family photographs and artwork with mirrors to reflect light, as well.
Check the bulbs
Sometimes we forget there was a light in that closet, or basement bathroom. Make sure you check every light fixture for dead light bulbs. Potential buyers will try to turn on every switch and if they don’t work, buyers (or inspectors) may think worse electrical problems are at hand.
Easy-breezy
An odor-eliminating spray (an unscented spray that eliminates odors) spritzed around the house can keep odors at bay. Candles or any scented spray can set off allergies and only mask odors instead of eliminating them.
Be the Hostess with the Most-ess
Make the beds, fluff the pillows on beds and couches, and fold blankets and towels neatly. Clear surfaces and floors of clutter, and put out some fresh flowers. Neatly arrange all bathroom products, empty the trash, and maybe even put out a fresh hand soap for a spa-like touch.
Sporting Your “It’s Fall, Y’all” Door Hanger in December?
Are your holiday decorations creeping into the next holiday? Leftover decor can make the buyer feel that you have neglected the maintenance of your home, or possibly even worse, have been on the market so long and have given up. Make sure to pack up your seasonal decor and store it for safe-keeping. Dead plants? Pull those out and replace them with something easy to maintain while you are on the market.
Check your entry
Many of us don’t use our front doors regularly, so it can become an overlooked area. Make sure to sweep the area (don’t forget to look up and sweep any spider webs!), and check that the doorbell works. A new, cute doormat and pot of flowers can make a nice first impression for buyers. Don’t forget to touch up any paint and clean the mailbox, too – and planting around there adds to the curb appeal.
