Have you taken a look around your home and yard lately? Whether you are thinking of selling your home soon or simply want to keep your home at its best, there are some things that are absolute musts on this weekend’s to-do list. For a short list of tasks that homeowners cannot ignore, we turned to our own Don Kearney. Don is our resident photographer – taking all those awesome shots of our listings – and he manages lock boxes on our listings, listing brochures, and vacant homes too. Don’s seen a few things! Read on to learn his biggest complaints.
The Landscaping
It’s not too late in the season to take care of those low hanging branches on trees and the shrubs that never got trimmed this summer. Nothing makes a first impression a bad one when trees and bushes are overgrown and messy. It can be something of a haunted house look, but that just does not work when it comes to selling a home. Tidy up the landscaping – especially in the front.
The Grass Too
Yes, do cut the grass and keep it neat and trim at all times – even if it feels like it i not growing much right now. Get out the trimmer and cut down all those loose grasses along the edge of the landscaping. And, get out the edger too for a crisp, tidy look. A tidy lawn inspires confidence in a buyer, so do not cut corners. Tackle the weeds – they give the impression of a neglected lawn.
The Porch
Whether you have a large, wooden front porch or a simple concrete step, make sure it is in great shape.
- Fix any uneven areas or cracks. Wooden railings or planks should not have any peeling paint or have mildew. Even a simple washing will do wonders.
- Don’t forget the cobwebs! They are surprisingly everywhere right now! Check around the front door and around any flower pots or furniture. Get them out of there because, not only are some people freaked out by them, they are unsightly and give the impression of a poorly cared for home. Again, it may be the season for haunted houses but yours should not be one!
- Keep the gutters clear of leaves. It’s a good idea at all times, but especially important should your buyer arrive on a rainy day. You would not want a prospective buyer getting drenched by the gutter overflow!
- Add a simple, colorful mum to cheer up the entryway. A nice seasonal display can really add charm to an entryway, but there is a limit to all good things. Don’t overdo it.
- Remove any leaves from the entryway or around it where swirling autumn winds may have accumulated them.
The Garage
Garages are a bit of a tricky area because there can be a lot going on in a garage. Do your best to tidy things up and sweep out the dust and leaves. Even a garage can make an impression with a buyer, so don’t neglect yours. Make sure the garage door opener functions smoothly and that boxes and other items are stored in a tidy manner.
And, from the outside, the garage should appear neat and tidy as well. If you have windows with blinds on them in the garage, make sure the blinds are down and closed at all times for a tidy appearance from the outside. From the inside, dust off the windowsills as they are often messy after summer fun and summer insects have been through there.
The Screens
Check your window screens – especially in the most-used areas like the main entry door or kitchen. A torn screen is inexpensive to repair and will keep a buyer from thinking your home has been neglected.
Bonus Tips!
- Declutter, declutter, declutter. Always and everywhere!
- And always keep the kitty litter fresh, clean, and hidden, and Fido’s backyard messes picked up.
A Keen Eye
It can be hard to look at your own home objectively, through a buyer’s eyes, so it makes sense to call us here at The Bittinger Team. Our experienced listing agents can pinpoint what you can do to present your house in the very best possible way. And, that will get you a quick sale for top dollar. We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you have – always at no obligation. Call us at 734.459.2600 or email us at team@bittinger.com any time.
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