ERIC DEGERBERG

FOR BUYERS

FOR SELLERS

The Real Estate Leaders

RE/MAX
Properties of the Summit
Eric Degerberg, Broker
131 Blue River Parkway,
PO Box 2929
Silverthorne, CO 80435
800-289-2005
970-468-2000

eric@breckenridgeonline.com

RE/MAX is Summit County's most productive Real Estate company. And we're Summit County's most productive RE/MAX office.

For Sellers

Home Preparation Tips

The first impression is often the lasting impression. People usually decide within two minutes whether they like your house. And they start forming their opinion before they even walk in the front door.

So, for a faster sale at the best price, it’s smart to ask yourself if your house is as presentable as it can be. Imagine you're a prospective buyer. You've probably been looking at other homes, so look at your present home the same way.

I can do all of the things necessary to bring in the prospects — but when it comes down to the nub of it, your house is going to have to help sell itself.

Here are time-tested tips suggested to make your home more presentable. A good rule to follow is to do cosmetic things that will improve your chances of selling, but avoid making major changes unless they will increase the value of your home more than the cost of the improvement.

CLEAN UP, FIX UP, PAINT UP OUTSIDE

  1. Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. Cleanly swept walks create a good first impression.
  2. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that keeps light out of the house.
  3. 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 touching up the trim and window frames.
  4. In winter, walks and decks should be free of snow and ice.
  5. Inspect the roof and gutters. Are there missing shingles to replace? Are gutters and downspouts in place and functional? Use heat tapes to help control ice dams in winter.
  6. Consider putting flowers outside the front door.
  7. Repaint the front door.
  8. Repair broken outdoor steps.

KITCHEN

  1. The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. If dull, paint cabinets and put up perky new curtains.
  2. Clean the ventilating hood in the kitchen.
  3. If the kitchen floor is badly worn, put down new flooring. Replace any loose tiles. To remove a loose tile, first soften the adhesive by applying heat with an iron covered by a soft cloth.
  4. Remove any appliances that you keep on your counters. Clean counters make the room look larger.

BATHROOM

  1. Repair dripping faucets.
  2. Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms.
  3. Use special cleaning products to remove stains from toilets, bathtubs, sinks and showers.
  4. If sink and bathtub drain slowly, unclog them.

LIVING AREAS

  1. Have all plaster in top shape. Cracks (or if drywall, nail-pops and visible seams) are easy to fix.
  2. Check ceilings for leak stains. Fix the cause of the damage, repair the ceiling, and paint.
  3. In painting and redecorating, avoid offbeat colors — stick to conventional white and easy-to-work-with pastels inside.
  4. If you have a fireplace, clean it out and lay some logs in it to make it look inviting.
  5. Wash windows.
  6. Replace broken glass and windows with broken seals.
  7. Make sure all the screens are in place
  8. Check to see that all windows will open and close.
  9. Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs that are “natural spectrum.”
  10. Make sure every light switch works.
  11. Make the floors shine; clean and polish them. And nail down any creaking boards or stair treads.
  12. Straighten up the closets — get rid of excess items. Use air freshener to eliminate musty odors. Lubricate any sticky or squeaking doors.
  13. For doors that stick slightly, rub a block of paraffin against the surface that shows signs of wear. For sliding doors that stick in their tracks, rub the tracks with paraffin or candle wax.

BASEMENT, ATTIC, GARAGE

  1. Clean out attic, basement and garage and dispose of everything you are not going to move. And package everything you won't need until you're settled in your new home. Rent a storage unit to help unclutter and store items you will keep.
  2. Make sure there is plenty of light on the stairs to the basement.
  3. If your basement is dark and gloomy, paint ceilings and walls a light color.
  4. Repair cracks in the basement floor with ready-mixed concrete.

WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS BEING SHOWN

  1. Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light. This also makes rooms appear larger.
  2. Have your home well lit during showing.
  3. At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting in back if you have it.
  4. Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter.
  5. If possible, leave your furniture and rugs in the house while showing it.
  6. Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
  7. Keep any toys in the children's rooms. Bikes, wagons and skateboards should be made as inconspicuous as possible.
  8. Keep radio, stereo, TV off or turned way down.
  9. Take your family away we are holding an open house.
  10. Children should be quiet if you must remain at home during a showing.
  11. Take pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
  12. When I am showing your house, please resist the desire to tag along. It is best to not be present during showings — buyers are more comfortable when the owners are not home. If you are present, answer prospects’ questions candidly when asked, but don't offer answers to unasked questions.