Preparing your home for Listing

“How can I prepare my home to maximize my listing price? This was a question sent to me this morning from someone I have done business with. I am in California and the person asking the question is in California and the Capital Gain has hit many by surprise so I even address that issue.

The answer for me came fast and simple.

1. Declutter – Get rid of everything  that is not needed. Make the home look neat, clear and bright. Make sure to declutter the outside of the house as well.

2. Mentally Prepare – Get your own mind to determine that selling is the right thing to do. Ask your tax preparer how much a capital gain tax will be and get a
“net sheet” that shows the cost of the sale.

3. Clean, clean and clean. Look at the house from the street and pretend you are seeing the house for the first time. Can it look nicer ? Then make the changes.
After the curb the entry is what people see next. Make sure it is inviting.

4. Clean the windows. Little things are important. Use color; you can do this with flowers that look clean and fresh and smell good. 

5. Make sure the bathrooms and kitchen area are clear of items. If it is not attractive it should not be on a counter top.

6. Look at a Home Magazine for ideas to make the home look appealing.

7.  The senses; Smell, Sight and Sound. A sound system playing quiet background music  can add comfort. Make sure the home looks good, sounds good and smells good.

8. Repair any thing that is obvious. And, get a property inspection; make repairs as needed. This saves an offer from falling through and makes the sale transaction quicker and smoother.