Ramona Real Estate Association: Is your home ready for a successful sale?

When you’re ready to sell your home, doing a little preparation beforehand can potentially help your home sell quicker and for a higher price.

Curb Appeal

Capturing buyers’ attention starts at the curb. Manicure the lawn, trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers (pots work great too). Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose.

Repairs to Visible Blemishes

Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix? If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, and make any needed paint touch-ups.

An Inviting Entrance

Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house. Add a new welcome mat and hang a fresh wreath on the door.

Let the Light Shine In

Remove heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave and add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.

Remove the Clutter

This serves two purposes. First, you want your home to have an open and inviting appearance. Removing clutter will make rooms appear larger and more appealing.

Second, it helps YOU prepare to move. Going through the clutter and getting rid of what you don’t need will make your move much easier.

Removing personal items allows potential buyers to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.

Catch the Eye

Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants, or other eye-catching accessories can help.

Add Mirrors

Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter. Position opposite windows for best effect.

Clean Out Cabinets and Closets

Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets. Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.

Eliminate Odors

Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing.

Add Aromas

You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma. Or bake a fresh batch of cookies (and leave a plate of them on the counter for visitors).

Attached Items

That chandelier you love. The bathroom mirror you just had to have. The doorbell camera. Items you intend to take with you when you move should be removed and replaced with something else prior to going on the market.

Karen Domnitz is Realtor #00897503 at C21 Award and vice president of the Ramona Real Estate Association