Tucson Real Estate News

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage too.

2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home. Not to mention say something about how well the house is maintained. Don’t forget those bathroom mirrors.

3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the homes has been well cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop & wax floors, clean the stove & refrigerator too.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help. Smells of fresh baked bread, vanilla, or apple & spice are popular as well.

5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures (within manufacturers recommendations) to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets, hallways, bathrooms and fixtures. Cleans walls or freshen with paint if possible.

6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or dripping faucets may seem trivial, however, they can give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake leaves, trim bushes, edges sidewalks, and clean gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes. Repair any holes and cracks in your driveway and/or walkway.

9. Add a touch of color to the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.

10. Buy flowering plants and put them near a window you pass by frequently.

11. Make center pieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.

12. Set the scene. Set the table with attractive dishes and candles. Create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. Example, a chess game in progress.

13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.

14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Place personal toiletry out of site.

16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. It that’s not possible crate them or confine them to a single room. Insure that real estate agents are aware & not surprised.

17. Lock up valuable, jewelry and money. While a real estate agent will be present during the showing of your open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets, under sinks and express their opinion of your home if you are present.

The better your home is prepared for receiving buyers, the better your chances for buyers to be interested in your home above the competition. Be sure to take advantage of Curb Appeal, Pricing an other tips offered under the Selling Your Home tab on the left. Oh yes, and dont forget the Staging tab as well.