How to Get Top Dollar When Selling a Home

If you are considering making a move, here are 10 ways to get top dollar when selling a home.

Remove personal photos and items. 

Buyers need to be able to imagine their own photos on the walls, and most cannot do that if sellers have personal photos up. Don’t make any buyer ask,“I wonder what kind of people live in this home?”

Americans collect an amazing amount of stuff and prior to listing their home, they should de-clutter.

If home sellers have not used something in over a year it is time to consider selling it on E-bay/craigslist or donating it.

• • Remove almost all books from bookcases and coffee tables.
  • Store all knickknacks.
  • Kitchen counters need to be completely clean and polished.
  • Anything you need on a daily basis should be stored behind a cabinet door.

Sellers will be moving anyway and now is a great time to get a start on the move.

All cabinets & closets need to be reorganized and remove ½ of what is normally inside. 

Buyers will open all the closet and cabinet doors. If the buyer sees a clean organized space then they are more likely to see themselves living there.

• • Organize the pantry.
  • Carefully stack dishes and glasses.
  • Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction paints by color and type.
  • Line up shoes and remove all but two pairs for each family member.

Get the extra stuff off the property.

Homes show better with less furniture, keep the minimum amount needed. Reduce the size of your dining room table by removing extra leaves. Leave just enough furniture in each room to feature the room’s purpose but with plenty of room to move around.

Remove/Replace sentimental items.

If the seller intends to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with them they should, remove them before showing the home. Any heirloom fixtures should be removed and replaced.

Make minor repairs.

• • Replace cracked floors or counter top tiles and any holes in the walls.
  • Fix leaky faucets and doors that don’t close properly.
  • Consider painting your walls neutral colors, there is no greater homeowner repair that increases home values than a neat repainting.
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs and get new linens for the beds.

Make the house look brand new with an extensive cleaning.

• • Wash windows inside and out and power wash all outside services.
  • Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks.
  • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
  • Clean out the refrigerator and keep it ½ full and organized.
  • Vacuum daily and wax all floors.
  • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures and light switches.
  • Bleach dingy grout and replace worn rugs.
  • Hang up fresh towels in the bathroom.
  • Air out and sanitize any musty smelling areas.
  • Clean and organized the garage to remove any oil stains.

Look at the Home with new eyes.

• • Go outside and open the front door. Is it inviting? Does the home welcome you?
  • Stand in the doorway of every single room and imagine how the house will look to a potential buyer.
  • Carefully consider how furniture is arranged and move pieces if necessary.
  • Make sure window coverings hang level.
  • Tune in to the room’s statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
  • Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You’re almost finished.

Check curb appeal.

If a buyer won’t get out of her agent’s car because she doesn’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get her inside.

• • Keep the sidewalks cleared.
  • Mow the lawn and keep it weed free.
  • Paint faded window trim.
  • Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
  • Trim your bushes.
  • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Clean out your garage and get your cars parked inside.

• • Remove 90 percent of what is currently inside.
  • Add a fresh paint
  • Remove any oil stains.

We wish you lots of luck! And we hope this list helps you get top dollar when selling a home.