Home Selling Tips - Making Your House Attractive to Buyers

You only get one chance to make a first impression. If you plan on selling your home, there are a few things that you should do to make the home and the asking price more attractive to buyers.

The Asking Price

If you need help estimating your home's market value, talk to neighbors, surf the internet or speak with local real estate agents to establish the average asking price for homes that are comparable to yours. For a more accurate asking price, comparable homes should be located in the same neighborhood as is your house.

Curb Appeal

Before selling your home, you should take some time to spruce up the outside. Buyers will be much more likely to look at a house that has curb appeal.

Start by cleaning up the yard: mow the grass, rake the leaves, trim all bushes and trees. If necessary, paint, stain or mend fences, decks and sheds. You should also find a place to store outdoor items such as kids' toys or lawn and garden equipment.

Once the yard has been cleaned up, consider adding such inexpensive additions to your landscape as potted plants or flowers.

Your Home's Exterior

If your home's exterior looks run-down, buyers may turn away before they even enter the house. Repair bent gutters, loose shingles and cracked windows before putting your home up for sale. If you have the money and the resources, you may want to consider painting your home's siding, window sashes, shutters and trim.

Your Home's Interior

It is extremely important to prepare your home's interior before buyers see it. Start by cleaning the house thoroughly. Remove all cobwebs, dust, and anything else that makes the house look unclean. Take time to wash the windows, floors and, if necessary, the walls.

Next, work on making the home seem as spacious as possible. Remove all clutter and store any items that you do not need. Furniture, knick-knacks and art should be kept to a minimum. When your clutter has been removed, buyers will have an easier time picturing how their personal property will fit in your home.

If necessary, paint the walls and the trim. Paint can be a very inexpensive way to change the look of a room. When choosing a paint color, keep in mind that homes with light colors seem more spacious and sell better than homes with dark interiors.