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Selling your house? Here's how to attract buyers

Potential buyers usually decide within minutes whether a home is right for them. As you prepare your home to go on the market, try to view it through the eyes of a buyer. We have provided some tips below to assist you in preparing to sell your home.


General

  • A fresh coat of paint is fast, easy and affordable — consider repainting the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and other areas

  • Use a neutral color scheme when making any decorating choices

  • Neatness makes a home look bigger; avoid clutter

  • Avoid too many personal items, such as family photos

  • Cleanliness counts

  • Make sure all closets and shelving units are straightened


Kitchen

  • Make sure it is bright and attractive

  • Consider new window treatments

  • If the flooring is badly worn, replace it

  • Replace any loose or cracked tiles on counters and walls

  • Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the kitchen sink or on the counters

  • Clean and uncluttered counters add a sense of spaciousness

  • Remove any appliances or decorative items from counters


Bathroom

  • Repair any dripping faucets

  • Always hang fresh, clean towels in the bathrooms

  • Remove any stains from toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers

  • Clean this room every morning

  • Updating old fixtures can make a big difference

  • Unclog sinks, bathtubs or showers that drain slowly


Living Areas and Bedrooms

  • Make sure wall surfaces are in good shape — repair all cracks and nail holes

  • Make sure windows are in good condition; replace cracked or broken glass/torn screens and wash windows

  • Make sure windows open and close smoothly

  • Check ceilings for leak stains

  • Replace faded curtains or bedspreads

  • If you have a fireplace, clean it out and put in fresh logs

  • Replace burned-out light bulbs and make sure light switches work

  • Clean floors and vacuum rugs and carpeting

  • Fix any doors or sliding glass doors that stick


Garage

  • Clean out your garage

  • Dispose of anything you are not going to move

  • Make sure the garage door opener is in good condition


Outside

  • Make sure the front door and entry area are clean

  • Repaint the front door if necessary

  • Keep the lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat looking

  • The proper landscaping can add an attractive and inviting touch

  • Sweep walkways and driveways

  • Consider painting or touching up your house

  • Check the roof and gutters


Source: Stewart Title Insurance Company

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