Get Your House Ready to Sell in a Month

Getting your house market ready in under a month may seem like a daunting task. Then again, it is not as hard as you may think it is. Generating interest in your home starts with the first impression.

If you were to walk into a store and notice a product thrown haphazardly together, would you want to spend time searching through the mess? Likewise, a house needs to leave a great first impression in order to sell.

Freshen Up Your House On The Outside

The outside of your house is the first thing a buyer will see. With that in mind, take time out to improve the look of your lawn. Plant some extra flowers, hose down the front yard and sweep up the porch. The extra touches you add will make a bigger impact on the buyer.

This does not mean you need the exterior to look like a Martha Stewart masterpiece, but freshening up will certainly improve it. It's important to clean up the curb and any pathways leading to your house, as well as the door and front windows. If you have been meaning to paint the outside of the house, now is the time. Be sure to put away any outdoor equipment like lawn mowers in the garage or shed.

Give Your House A Makeover On The Inside

Once the front of your home has made an impression on the buyer, he or she will turn attention to the interior. Again, a dirty environment will deter buyers. Bust out the mop and start scrubbing away. If you feel you cannot clean the entire house or are just too lazy, hire a professional to come in and sweep away every dust ball.

The general atmosphere you want to portray is cozy. The more homelike your home, the more likely someone will feel as though he or she could live there. Fresh fragrances are a plus, so consider some candles or plug-ins.

Get rid of old furniture, or at least cover up any unsightly upholstery stains and tears. Use a lint roller on your fabrics to get rid of pet hair. Do not forget to clean up the garage, attic and basement.

Repairs, Refurbishment And You’re Ready To Sell

Having your house inspected by a professional is a smart move, especially if you’re under time constraints to sell. They will be able to spot anything that needs patching up before an interested buyer does and reconsiders.

If you need to make repairs, now is the time. Fix or replace major appliances and mend broken furniture. Repaint peeling walls or put up new wallpaper. Check for broken doors, cabinets, handles, ventilation filters and leaky faucets. Thoroughly inspect your ceiling, walls and floors for loose or broken tiles, leaks or anything strange that an outsider might point out.

After you have scoured until your hands are numb, ask a third party to evaluate your work. An honest friend or relative is a valuable asset at a time like this. If a friend or relative feels like your home is comfortable and inviting, then chances are a buyer will feel the same way.

You can also hire professional interior decorators to rearrange the furniture in your house so that it is “staged” for selling. Then sit back and watch as the offers start rolling in!