sell your home

not so obvious tips

to sell your home

Most homeowners know the most obvious things to do: pressure wash the exterior house/surrounding cement, declutter inside and out, make sure the yard has fresh mulch and looks healthy, and make sure your home smells clean.
What about the things that aren’t so obvious?

clean windows

Clean windows inside and out and don’t forget to clean your windowsills and doorsills/thresholds. This includes a daily wipe down of any windows where your fur babies leave that, “cute” little nose print. While it doesn’t bother us, it can give your house the illusion of being unkept or unclean. (Prior to inspections, make sure to have any removed window screens near by in the garage or put back on the windows so buyers will know that you have the screens in case they want to open the windows at a later date. Missing screens will be notated on the inspection report.)

trim trees

Trim trees and foliage – all around the house. This not only improves listing photos but low hanging branches/vegetation close to the house enables rodents and termites easier access as well as possibly causing roof damage. (If not addressed, this will be notated on a home inspection report.)

clear access

Clear access to all major systems so they can be looked at during showings and inspections. This includes: air handler(s), water heater, electric panel, and attic access. If access to these items is not clear for inspectors, this will not only raise suspicions from the buyers but they could also expect you, the seller, to pay for the inspector to come back to the house after the areas have been made accessible.

take a walk

Take a walk around the house looking specifically for any cracks in the stucco or brick. Depending on the size of the cracks, (think thicker than the thickness of a quarter), you might be experiencing settling problems that need addressing. Cracks need to be sealed from exterior weather elements and bugs. If you don’t have matching touch up paint, a clear sealant is a good solution.

replace and repaint

Replace and repaint any interior or exterior rotted/soft wood, including exterior wood siding or window framing.

look up and down

Look up and down in each room of your house. Look up at the ceiling return and supply vents. Look down at the baseboards. We usually walk through our house looking straight ahead but buyers’ eyes wander and you want to make sure that what they see is kept clean.
Supply air vents will be the first that shows if your HVAC hasn’t been maintained with a clean filter every 30 days. A simple vacuuming around the ceiling with a clean brush attachment and a soft, damp cloth or magic eraser wiping of the vent will usually make the area look spotless and clean again. Go through each room and check these as well as the return vents. Note: the return vents might be located on the wall and not the ceiling.

Baseboards are the frame for the beautiful picture you’re creating for your buyer. If these are dirty, it will create what could be an unfair perception that your house hasn’t been kept maintained and clean. A simple wipe down once every 2 weeks while your house is on the market is all it takes. For more stubborn marks or dirt, try a magic eraser. They usually wipe off anything that doesn’t belong. Sometimes, a quick paint touch up is also necessary which is a small price to pay for the clean look it provides.

what they're saying

“Nicole sold my condo in Jacksonville Florida 4 days after it hit the market & closed in 2 weeks!!! Need I say more…. if you want your property sold call Nicole she goes above & beyond to help you sell your property or the find the perfect home. Thanks again Nicole!”

– Mary Vee