Ten Ways to Make Your House More Saleable

1. Clean up clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clear out the garage.
2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.
4. Eliminate unpleasant smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.
5. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
6. Make minor repairs in situations that can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Clean your gutters.
10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.
     

    Five Ways to Speed Up Your Sale

    1. Price it right. Set a price toward the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.
    2. Get your house market ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it. Consider staging rooms, having a pre-inspection and purchasing a home warranty.
    3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home the sooner you’ll find a buyer.
    4. Be ready for the offers. Contemplate what real price and terms you will accept.
    5. Don’t decline to lower price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to adjust your asking price.