We’ve addressed the exterior, some functional parts of the interior, the
systems, and now it is time to take care of the cosmetics. even though the
kitchen and baths have not been updated recently, it is entirely possible to
have them fully functioning and beautiful with out a “remodel to the studs”
project. That said, kitchens and baths do sell homes.
It’s time to take a look at your lists. Decide what you can do yourself and
what repairs will require professional help. Get some referrals from friends or
your broker and make some phone calls. If you are going to have a handyman or
carpenter come take care of door and window issues, get them started on the
bedrooms first, and then let them move on to the systems. Same with the plumber.
Rooms first and systems later. Once they are out of the rooms you can start on
the cleaning.
Your kitchen should be decluttered. How long has it been, after all, since
you’ve used the crock pot and bread machine? They can be boxed. Give the kitchen
a deep, deep cleaning. Clean the cupboards. People will look in them. Pack up
that third set of dishes you only use when Aunt Ethel is in town. Get rid of the
thing that seems to be growing in the back of the snack cupboard. Clean in high
places you can’t reach with out a step ladder. Clean out the drawer below the
range. Vacuum with the “wand” under the lazy-susan cabinet and under the
refrigerator. Make the kitchen shine and sparkle.
Do the same type of cleaning in the bathrooms. Once done assess these two
rooms. Do they need paint or not. Often the type of paint used in the kitchen
and bath can be easily scrubbed.
Granted: That was a full day’s work, but with very little expense. Let’s move
on to the bedrooms. Do them one at a time. Don’t start another room until you
finish the first one completely. First, take everything out of the closet. Clean
the closet. Replace only the items and clothing that you will need during the
next three to four months. Assess the room for painting needs and if you plan to
paint. Write that down. Address buying the paint when you decided on what to do
with all of the rooms.
By now you should have filled the first 50 boxes and you should have decided
on a place to store them. If you are storing them off site, pack a bunch of them
in your car now and go buy some more boxes. Whatever you think you will need.
Then proceed through all of the secondary rooms of the house.
The last rooms to address are the living and dining rooms. This is usually
where buyers will first get a look inside your home. Declutter and clean. You
want to wow them the minute they walk in. Clean high and clean low. Don’t miss
anything.
We’re almost done. This is a good time to get some design or staging advice.
Homes that sell quickly for the most money, are staged to sell, not decorated
for your personal taste. Let a professional help you pick colors for the
painting of the rooms and make decisions on furniture placement. If things are
moved and not the way you like it, pretend your living in a swanky hotel for a
few days. You will be smiling at the signing table before you know it.
Thanks for doing the preparation. You’ve made your broker very happy. Now you
get a break and he gets to fly into action.