Easy Fixes Increase your Equity

GAIN MORE EQUITY IN YOUR HOME

Show how you have paid attention to every detail. The cleaner and more move-in ready the home the better. I say, go well beyond that! I promise you, showing your home in optimal condition could get you $25,000 or more equity from the sale of your property. I don't know about you, but I'd put many hours into cleaning for $25,000!

EASY FIXES

The importance of cleaning and staging the home for sale cannot be understated or over-emphasized. As the buyer approaches the home, curb appeal is paramount. the driveway should be pressure cleaned, and painted if necessary. Additionally, planting some flowers will go a long way to show off the property nicely. The first showing must capture the attention of the buyer in the most appealing and positive way.

De-clutter the closets (Everyone wants storage space. Expect that they will open every door and pay attention to detail, because they will be!). Remove excessive items on the shelving, etc. Ultimately, a de-cluttered, organized, and clean home will enhance the home's best attributes. And it appears larger! If you are not using a professional staging company, remember less is more. If possible, remove any unnecessary furniture, keeping only the main furniture such as, the couch and chairs, kitchen table (not the D.R. Furniture), end tables. The packed boxes, excess furniture, etc. should not be put in the garage, on the porch, or anywhere it can be seen. It’s best to get a storage unit, or a PODS-like container.

Use decorative accents, such as glass bowls, and vases with flowers. Personal accessories such as pictures, religious and political items and extra sundries in the bathroom should be removed. Remember Equity is the goal. Now is not the time to be stubborn or make a statement.

Everyone knows paint is one of the least expensive improvements. However, if you can't paint all the walls, choose wisely, and carefully paint all the baseboards with a nice, crisp, white.

THE GARAGE & THE PATIO

Pay particular attention to details such as the tracks for sliding glass doors, and bathroom corner areas, and don't forget a big one, people often miss the patio. The patio can make or break a deal here in Florida! Presenting the Florida Room as nicely as possible will bring you a lot of money for a comparably small amount of effort.

Want more money? Be sure to replace ripped screening. It shows poorly, and I promise you there will be a big deduction in the "Buyer's Mind". Also, pressure cleaning the floors and walls will make it look 100% better. Place a nice size seating area, relative to the size of the room. A large table with four chairs and an umbrella is WAY TOO MUCH! Clean the fans, and replace the fan blades (even if they're "not too bad...", Jewels of Florida replaces the lighting and fans. Make it look fresh, comfortable and inviting.

Don't forget the garage either. People can only usually dream of a great garage. If you can, give it to them. Clean out all the junk, Take down old cabinetry. Instead clear and clean the walls, apply two coats of paint and just watch you Equity rise more! These are common things Seller's ignore. And do not use the garage as a catch-all for the items you remove. The garage should be almost as clean as your house. Organize any shelves, if you haven’t removed all items already, as recommended

Common Sense says, If it looks like it needs to be done...IT DOES!!!