Q:  Can you address ways to get my house ready to sell? What will make it more attractive to buyers?
 
A:  In a buyers market, sellers have to realize that their house is in a price war and a beauty pageant.  Not only does your home have to be priced right to sell, but it also has to be in great shape so buyers will see more value in your house than other property on the market. 
 
Of course, the biggest thing you can do to make your house attractive to buyers is to price it properly.  But aside from that, there are plenty of things you can do to make your house show well:

  • Curb Appeal – Make your house look as good as possible from the outside so buyers will be excited about getting inside.  Manicure your yard and garden; put fresh mulch around trees and shrubs.  Pressure wash siding, decks, and sidewalks.  Caulk around the doors and windows.
  • Cleaning – Clean the inside of your house like never before.  Pull out the stove and refrigerator.  Scrub the toilets and tile until they sparkle.  When a house doesn’t look and smell clean, buyers tend to search harder for other problems.
  • Move Pets Early – Once the house is clean, find someone to keep your pets while the house is on the market.  Pets and pet odors are a huge turnoff to many potential buyers.
  • Staging – Consider hiring a professional stager to help you put your home in the best possible light.  They don’t cost as much as you think and can be a real difference maker in the sale of your home.