What You Shouldn't Forget when Selling Your Home

Getting your home ready for sale is an emotional, time-consuming process. According to Houston Overhead Door (click here), going through years of clutter and memories takes its toll, as does cleaning all the out-of-the-way spots that are easy to put off. Getting the main rooms of the house looking model-home perfect is where most homeowners spend their time, effort, and money. But other spots that stand out to potential buyers can often get overlooked. Have a friend or neighbor do a walk through with you, and be prepared for some constructive criticism. A fresh pair of eyes can catch small, but important, points that you might have missed. For a quick sale at the price you want, preparation and cleaning is key. Here is a look at four places that often get missed in this major undertaking.

How Does Your Home Smell?
This is the number one area that gets missed. Experienced agents often get the house smelling clean and fresh by putting a small amount of Lysol and water in the kitchen sink. During the fall and winter seasons, add cloves and cinnamon sticks to a pot of simmering water on the stove. Vanilla in jars hiding in nooks around the house is also a good choice to help do away with unpleasant odors. If you have carpets with pet odor or other bad smells, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, then wait 15 minutes and vacuum it up. The resulting smell is neutral, but fresh. It works well in garbage and recycling containers too.
Clean Out the Closet Floors
De-cluttering can seem never-ending if you are moving. Years of clothes, toys, linens and more seem to grow and grow when you’re not looking. When it comes time to pack up for the move, the project can seem endless. It is tempting to stuff everything in the closet to get it out of the main rooms and pathways. Don’t let this temptation lead to a reality, as this can be a bad idea. Prospective buyers feel entitled to open every door, and check out all closets. Making sure there is enough closet space is high on buyers’ lists as they’re perusing the space.
The aim is to focus your potential buyer on how big and welcoming the space is, not on unused Christmas presents and discarded toys. That means thoroughly de-cluttering before you put your home on the market. If you haven’t been able to get to the job before the first prospect is scheduled, consider renting a storage unit. Transport all your clutter to the unit for later sorting. The goal is to make your closets look roomy and organized.
Give Buyers a Blank Slate
Your buyer isn’t coming to see your years of joy and family time when they look at your home. They want to envision themselves in its rooms. Make it easy for them by taking away your personal photos and knickknacks. By clearing them away, you let the prospect see themselves living in the space, with a simple, clear, uncluttered and clean backdrop.
Don’t Forget the Garage
The garage is usually considered a utility space, with little effort expended on its attractiveness. But that needs to change when you put your home up for sale. According to Houston Overhead Door (click here), the garage is a focal point for many buyers. Since many families expand their living space by using the garage for a gym, storage area for recreational equipment, home offices, or hobby areas, they want a space that is clean and attractive. The prospective buyer needs to see what the garage looks like from top to bottom and wall to wall. This lets her decide if it is suitable for her family’s needs. The less that is on the floor, the roomier the garage will appear.
Spend time on the less obvious selling points in your home. It will make it more appealing to your prospective buyers.