The TV Shows have proved it many times…the following tips can help you sell your home faster and for more money.

Pre-listing Inspection.

Having your home inspected by a professional home inspector. Eventually your buyers are going to conduct a home inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways:

• It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party.
• It will help you price your home realistically.
• It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ...
  • Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
  • You then have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if you are qualified.
  • It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
  • It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.

Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs should be made available to potential buyers.

Be sure the inspector you use is insured and licensed or certified.

Clean up the outside.

• Curb appeal is the first impression of your house. Keeping the grass cut and the area tidy will help make a great first impression.
• Paint or wash the exterior of the house (including window casings, shutters, and doors).
• Wash the windows inside and out.
• Check the gutters and chimney.

Touch up the interior.

• Put a fresh coat of paint in the most used areas of the home. This will clean as well as brighten up the rooms.
• Wash the walls where paint is not appropriate (i.e. wall paper, paneling).
• Wash all floors and bathroom tiles.
• Shampoo dirty carpets.
• Get rid of clutter. Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic. Use self storage if necessary.
• Replacing air filters will help keep the dust down.
• Replace bathroom and kitchen fixtures that are worn or leaking.
• People will notice a leaking or worn-out faucet. By replacing these items, you will give a new look to the room.
• Clean under the sinks. If there are any leaks fix them. Then clean up the damage using contact paper or paint.

Talk to your REALTOR® about tips specific to your home and area that can give you the best return.