How to Streamline Your Home for a Faster Sale

Posted January 14, 2012 - 3:10pm by Mike

Originally published by http://www.ehow.com
July 14, 2011
Contributed by Ronda Carter

1. Depersonalize the rooms of the house. Remove framed photographs, collectible items, award certificates and even toothbrushes in the bathroom. If the space looks bare, fill the space with items that evoke relaxation or beauty, such as a wood bowl filled with apples, or a glass vase with fresh flowers. Take magnets, papers and snapshots off of the refrigerator. Think of a hotel suite and how that space looks inviting without signs that others have lived there --- that's what you want prospective buyers to see. Your goal is to invite buyers to imagine the house as a place where they can plan and dream without your clutter interrupting their thinking.

2. Declutter every room. In the kitchen, take pots and pans and canned goods out of the cabinets so that shelves look spacious, not crammed. In living areas, remove stacks of magazines, visible cord clutter and tabletop items. In bedrooms, clear clothes out of the closet so that hanging space and shelf space looks ample. In bathrooms, hide extra bottles of shampoo, bath gel and other personal care items that are on countertops and shower shelves. Remove items in entryways that are on the floor, such as shoes and umbrellas, so that guests won't trip. Put away pet bowls, toys and litterboxes before buyers arrive. Rent a small storage space while your house is on the market. Or, if you're moving to a smaller space, take the time to downsize now, giving away items you no longer want, to make packing for your move easier.

3. Clean and repair the items that prospective buyers pay the most attention to when they enter and leave, which includes doors and hallways. Buy new welcome mats. Wipe smudges and fingerprints off of doors, especially if they're white. Repaint or refinish doors if they're worn, and replace hardware that isn't gleaming and in perfect working condition. Doorknobs, handles and light switches should work flawlessly. Dust ceiling fans and the tops of bookshelves where dust gathers. Don't expect visitors to know that the storm door won't unlock without jiggling the handle --- fix it now.

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