Preparing to Sell a Home in Knoxville on a Budget
The most important action a seller can take is preparing your home to SELL. Other than the home being overpriced not preparing the home is most often the reason why a home does not sell!
Not everyone has cash lying around to do costly updates and repairs to their homes before listing their homes. However, there are actions you can take that require little or no money to make the difference.
1. Clean your home inside and out. People associate dirt with your home being worth less. Buyers are just turned off by dirt and grime. They cannot imagine themselves living in the home or thinking about everything they are going to have to do to move into your home. If you are a smoker be sure to smoke outdoors and tuck ashtrays away. Never leave dishes lying around or in the kitchen sink
2. Pickup any items lying around outside such as toys and bikes. Sweep and clean front entry and walk –ways. Remove overgrown or dead bushes. Clean weeds out of landscaping beds, rake up leaves, and keep lawn mowed. During showing the home make sure the driveway is clear of cars, boats, or anything else that may be taking up space.
3. De-clutter and Depersonalize: Pack up or haul off anything you are currently not using inside, outside and in the garage. Organize closets and cabinets, buyers are looking for extra storage. Pack up seasonal clothing to give your closets the appearance of plenty of space.
4. Repair and paint any walls and trim. Fresh paint can make a room look cleaner and updated
5. Try to keep evidence of pets to a minimum. Always hide litter boxes and pet toys
6. Try to have all children’s toys and other items stored during a showing
7. Put out fresh flowers in the home and annuals in containers and landscaping beds.
8. Be consistent with the bulb wattage you are using in a light fixture.
9. Get rid of any offensive odors in your home. Be careful with using over powering scents to distract from odors. Usually vanilla, linen, and cotton fresh scents work well not offend buyers.
10. Often soft music with no lyrics can have a soothing and welcoming effect on buyers.
There are many other actions Sellers can take to prepare their homes to sell. However when you are on a budget top 10 is a good place to start!