Getting the House Ready to Sell - The Back Yard
The
Back Yard
The back yard should be tidy. If you have
a pool or spa, keep it freshly maintained and constantly cleaned. For
those that have dogs, be sure to constantly keep the area clear of
"debris." If you have swing sets or anything elaborate for
your kids, it probably makes more sense to remove them than to leave
them in place. They take up room, and you want your back yard to appear
as spacious as possible, especially in newer homes where the yards are
not as large.
The
Front Door & Entryway
The front door should be especially
sharp, since it is the entryway into the house. Polish the door fixture
so it gleams. If the door needs refinishing or repainting, make sure to
get that done.
If you have a cute little plaque or
shingle with your family name on it, remove it. Even if it is just on
the mailbox. You can always put it up again once you move. Get a new
plush door mat, too. This is something else you can take with you once
you move.
Make sure the lock works easily and the
key fits properly. When a homebuyer comes to visit your home, the agent
uses the key from the lock box to unlock the door. If there is trouble
working the lock while everyone else stands around twiddling their
thumbs, this sends a negative first impression to prospective
homebuyers.
© 2000 by Terry Light and RealEstate ABC, revised 2004 |
