Selling Your Indianapolis Home:
Tips To Help it Sell Faster
First impressions are the most powerful sales tools. Emotion plays a tremendous part in creating an interest in your home from a potential buyer. Make certain your home puts its best foot forward and that you follow the time tested rules and behavior that will enhance the likelihood of a sale.
OUTSIDE
- Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. A well manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubs and clean walks create a good first impression.
- An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.
- Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly and keeps light out of your house.
- Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor. If you decide against painting, at least consider painting front shutters or window and door trim.
- Walks should be free of leaves, weeds, dirt and debris.
- Inspect the roof and gutters, and replace any missing shingles.
- Consider pulling flowers outside the front door.
- Repaint or stain the front door.
- Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox (or replace it).
- Put a new doormat out front.
KITCHEN
- This is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. Clean your cabinets inside and out Also new wallpaper pays dividends.
- Clean the vent hood, the range/oven and the sink.
- Scrub the kitchen floor.
- Remove any extra appliances and/or knickknacks on the counters that you dont use every day.
BATHROOM
- Repair any dripping faucets; they discolor sinks and suggest faulty plumbing.
- Keep fresh towels in the bathroom.
- Scrub the toilet, shower, tub and caulk if necessary.
- Recaulk where needed
- Use drain opener to unclog any slow drains.
LIVING AREAS
- Have all drywall in good shape. Cracks and nail holes are easy to fix.
- Check ceiling and ceiling fans for dirt.
- When painting or redecorating, stick to conventional colors.
- Replace faded curtains or bedspreads.
- If you have a fireplace, clean it out and lay some logs inside.
- Wash your windows inside and out.
- Replace any broken windows.
- Replace or fix any torn screens.
- Make sure all windows open and close easily.
- Check all light bulbs and replace if necessary.
- Check light switches and plugs to make sure they work.
- Make sure all floors are clean.
- Straighten all closets; well ordered closets show space is ample.
- For sliding doors that stick, rub paraffin wax in the tracks.
- Clean the air return vents and put in new filters.
GARAGE, ATTIC AND DRIVEWAY
- Clean and organize the garage and attic and dispose of anything you will not take with you.
- Repair any major cracks with ready mix concrete.
- Clean any oil stains.
- Check garage door and oil if necessary.
WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS BEING SHOWN
- Keep shades open to let in light; this makes your rooms look larger.
- Have your home well-lit and interior doors open for showing.
- At night, turn on porch light and any exterior lighting.
- Make sure all beds are made and rooms cleaned daily.
- Make sure all dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, not in the sink or on the counters.
- Keep toys in the kids room.
- Keep radio/stereo/TV off.
- Try to run some errands when the house is being shown.
- If you are home, do not negotiate directly with the buyers.
- Refer any inquiries about your home to your Realtor.
- Take your pets for a walk when your house is being shown.
- Let the Realtor show your house and do not tag along.
Maximize Your Investment: You've decided to sell your home and know you have to do some things to get it ready for the market. Where's the best place to start and what repairs will return the maximum amount? I'm glad you asked!
Staging Above the Competition: With the influx of homes on the market, many in builder subdivisions, it is hard to distinguish the value one home represents over another; so many homes are passed by.
Marketing: There is no secret to marketing homes in the real estate industry. Every Realtor® has access to the same programs, websites, online platforms, and advertising outlets.
Home Feedback System: Our team utilizes the benefits of Centralized Showing Service for feedback. This automated system is just one of the ways we keep you informed during the process of selling your home.
Should You Buy or Sell First?: If you've decided to move, you've probably been searching for new properties, what do you do when you find the "perfect" house, but your home has not yet sold?
Why Didn't My Home Sell?: If your home didn't sell during the original listing period, you're probably wondering why. There are five main reasons a home doesn't sell within the contractual term of a listing agreement.
Should You Sell Short Sale? When there are no alternatives left for refinacing or having your loan modified, a short sale provides the homeowner an opportunity to sell their home for less than what is owed on their home.
Moving Checklist : Logical tips for a smooth move.
Real Estate Glossary: Real estate terms and definitions.
When selling your Indianapolis home, choose an Indianapolis Realtor you can trust.
Indianapolis Realtor Paula Henry and The Home to Indy Team have both the professional experience you need and the personal touch you desire. Her extensive experience and hands-on approach will help you get your home ready to sell, find you a buyer, and get you the best price for your home.
