West Hawaii Real Estate | January 4, 2019 15
5 steps to a resale-ready home
If you’re selling your home,
you’re probably hoping to sell
it as quickly as possible — and
to get top dollar for it, too.
The good news is that winter is a
good time to sell; since there’s less
competition from other sellers, you’re
more likely to stand out to buyers.
But even then, it takes a little prep
work. Use this checklist to ensure that
you’ve taken every step necessary to
ready your home for resale. As they
say in the realty business: The bestprepped
homes yield the best returns.
1. Cut the clutter
Clutter makes it hard for potential
buyers to envision themselves in your
home, and it also detracts from some
of your home’s best selling points —
its square footage and storage space.
Clear shelves, countertops, closets,
garage space and storage areas prior
to showing your home. Also, remove
any bulky or distressed furniture and
simplify any over-furnished areas. Be
ruthless. Donate your infrequently
used items or hold a yard sale. And,
if necessary, keep overflow items in a
storage area or a friend’s garage until
you’ve sold your home.
2. Perform small repairs.
Now is the time to make the
small repairs you’ve been putting
off. Fix leaky faucets and broken
appliances, repair holes in drywall,
apply touch-up paint where
needed, and attend to any
creaky doors or stairs. If
you’re pressed for time, hire a
handyman. A good handyman
should be able to perform
any small repairs necessary
to prepare your home for
market, and it will cost less to
hire a handyman than it will
cost to hire multiple specialists
for multiple small projects.
According to HomeAdvisor’s
True Cost Guide, the average
national cost to hire a
handyman is $395.
3. Do a deep clean.
Dirty homes send buyers
running, so clean your house deeply
and thoroughly before you sell. In
addition to performing your usual
cleaning routine, vacuum in hard-toreach
places, dust ceiling fans and
light fixtures, and wash the walls
and windowsills. If you haven’t done
so recently, consider having your
carpets, windows/window treatments,
and kitchen and bathroom grout
professionally cleaned. Potential
buyers will absolutely take notice
of your immaculate home. In fact, a
number of buyers have put “clean” at
the top of their wish lists.
4. Kick up the curb appeal.
Your home’s exterior is the first
thing potential buyers will see, so
it’s important to do what you can
to make a good first impression.
Clear junk and clutter from the
yard, remove faded or broken lawn
furniture, and ensure that walkways
and driveways are weed-free and
clean. Touch up exterior paint, repair
broken screen doors, and replace
missing light fixtures or bulbs as
necessary. Finally, spruce up your
lawn and landscape; and use potted
plants and flowers, seasonal wreaths,
and other tasteful accessories to
welcome your guests at the door.
5. Stay on top of maintenance.
It’s crucial that you stay on top
of home maintenance once you’ve
listed and started showing your home.
Vacuum and dust daily, keep laundry
and clutter out of sight, and be on the
lookout for problems and unexpected
repairs. If you don’t have time to
stay on top of the cleaning, consider
hiring a cleaning service. According to
HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, most
maid services charge $25 and $45 per
person per hour — money well spent
when it helps to sell your home.
ElEctrical
NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL
YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS,
WE WELCOME YOUR CALL.
Cell: 936-0260
Lic.# C-24983 allphaseelectrical@hawaii.rr.com
DRYWALL CONTRACTOR
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • TENANT IMPROVEMENT & REMODEL
H Metal Stud Framing / T Bar Ceiling
H Hang, Tape and Texture
H Demo / Rubbish Removal
808-896-3739 • dih2001@hotmail.com
Ashford Alices Owner • License #C-21983
Happy New Year!
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POOL
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link
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/www.bigislandrealtors.com
