Somewhere behind the chirp of robins and the budding of dogwoods comes another sure sign of spring -- For Sale signs.
Here are 16 ways to help sell your home.
1. CLEAN EVERYTHING: If what buyers can see is dirty, then they know what they can't see is dirty. Corner cobwebs and hairy ceiling fans are my favorites. Make sure your home smells clean also.
2. FIX ALL KNOWN PROBLEMS: Plumbing leaks, faulty light switches, drywall holes, torn screens, cracked windows, unhinged closet doors, missing baseboards, and continuously-running toilets are bothersome to buyers, but easily repaired.
3. GO CRAWLING: If your home has a crawl space, then crawl into it. If you see standing water anywhere, call an expert to see how the water penetrated that area. Hire them to remove the water, and correct the problem. Most water problems are caused by plumbing leaks, debris in gutters, downspouts that don't take water far enough away from the house, or the slope of the yard allows water to run toward the house, instead of away from the house.
4. CHECK INSULATION: While under the house, look for insulation, wiring, and ductwork that have come loose and hang down toward the ground, or might be on the ground. Also, make sure the insulation is installed the correct way. You should be able to see the insulation side, not the paper side.
5. HIRE THE PROS: If the thought of crawling under your house causes you to experience a full-body shiver, then hire a professional home inspector to do the dirty work for you. They will inspect the whole house, including the crawl space. A smart seller finds the problems and repairs them before putting the house on the market.
6. CLEAN THAT TANK: If your home has an aerator or a septic tank that has not been serviced or cleaned out for 3 years or more, then order that service before a sign is placed in the yard. Many closings have been delayed due to this issue.
7. CHANGE YOUR AIR HANDLER FILTERS: They are probably filthy. Most heating and cooling problems can be avoided by executing this simple procedure at the change of each season.
8. DE-CLUTTER YOUR HOME: Unnecessary items belong in boxes, and boxes belong in the attic or neatly stacked in a corner of the garage or basement.
9. WALLPAPER IS OUT! Take it down. Paint the walls a neutral white, beige, or tan color.
10. UPDATE: If buyers can tell the age of your home by the style and color of your carpet or other flooring, then it's time to update. Go neutral again.
11. LANDSCAPING, LANDSCAPING, LANDSCAPING: Your landscaping may be the first thing potential buyers see. Pull the weeds, trim the bushes, and refill the mulch. Also, remove dead or dying trees, and trim trees whose branches hang over or against your house.
12. POWER WASH: Power wash siding, sidewalks, walkways, patios, and porches. That green stuff growing on them is not part of your landscaping.
13. GET OPINIONS: Ask three friends or family members to give you their honest opinion of what you should change about your house to attract buyers. Tell them you won't be offended by their thoughts. If they all tell you the same thing, then change it, and don't be offended.
14. GET A REALTOR: List your home with a professional Realtor, who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and abides by the Realtor Code of Ethics. You'll be glad you did.
15. BE GONE DURING SHOWINGS: If your home is listed with a professional Realtor, then make sure you are not home while a Realtor is showing it. I have yet to meet a buyer who told me to make sure that all the sellers of all the homes we are going to view are home. It is uncomfortable for the buyers if you are watching them look at your home. Don't be a stalker and sit in your car down the street during the showing either. Go somewhere and enjoy yourself. And take your four-legged pets with you when possible.
16. PRICE IT TO SELL: Finally, if your home is on the market, and you keep hearing buyers say that it's too close to something, too far away from something, has a bad view, poor curb appeal, wrong kind of yard, or any other problem that you cannot correct, then lower your price. Every home will sell for the right price and terms. If you do not owe anything on your home, then consider owner financing. Remember, your home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
Patrick Lucas is president of the Huntington Board of Realtors. He is with Century 21 Homes & Land.
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