Offering your home "for sale by owner" can be both challenging and rewarding. There are three things that, in our opinion, extremely important to do so that you can sell you home fastest and for the most money.
The first thing is to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a flat fee.
The second is to price your home correctly (no you don't have to offer your home at a discount, just price it competitively with the other comparable home for sale in your neighborhood).
The third thing is to be sure that your home shows as well as possible.
We have included a few simple tips that will help you present your home in its best light. Remember, you only have one chance to make a great first impression!
- Move excess furniture like footstools, extra tables and extra chairs to a storage unit to clear out clutter and make rooms look bigger.
- Store all toys and keep your house clean and clutter-free.
- Have a yard sale to sell anything you no longer want or need, or donate your items to local charities (tax deductible).
- Clean carpets, drapes and even furniture, if needed.
- If repainting, replacing carpets or redecorating, try to use neutral colors (beige, camel, light gray, etc.).
- Add a fresh coat of paint (neutral shade) to interior walls.
- Replace carpets if worn or outdated.
- Fix anything obvious on the outside of your home.
- Inspect your home thoroughly and either repair large problems such as a faulty roof or broken appliances, or adjust your price and / or negotiate terms accordingly.
- Keep your lawn, shrubs and plants neatly trimmed to maximize your “curb appeal”.
- Get a new mailbox or new house numbers to further enhance curb appeal.
- Add color to the outside of your home by planting flowers, hanging flowering baskets and adding a coat of fresh paint to shutters.
- Repaint front door, polish brass knocker and kickplate to make your entry way shine.
- Clean garage of clutter and sweep out thoroughly.
- Clear off the back deck or patio to make it look larger and more relaxing.
- On the day of a showing, bake cookies or bread and make a fresh pot of coffee. These comforting aromas can help make a house seem like a home.
