10 Ways to Make Your House in Snohomish County WA More Saleable

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells! Even if you think you house does not have smells, spring for a good carpet and drape cleaning to eliminate any possible cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Keep the windows open when possible (if road noise is not an issue).

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters. Remove any debris such as pine straw that has accumulated on the roof.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers. Remember, the door is the first part of the home potential buyers see!

For more information on selling your home in Snohomish County WA, visit my website. Or give me a call for more personal service, 425-308-3669. I would love to help make your home more saleable!

Tips to Make Your Snohomish County Home Sell Faster

The current buyers market in Snohomish County has caused buyers to be pickier and more demanding in the quality of the home they buy. Sellers need to have their home in tip-top condition to attract ready, willing, and able buyers. Below are some tips to help you prepare your home for sale and insure a timely closing.

1. Curb appeal is everything.

Buyers won't even look at the inside of a home, if they outside is not appealing. Keep the grass and beds neat and trim. Plant flowers for color. Freshen up any faded or peeling paint, especially the front door. Keep the yard and drive free of clutter and debris. A well cared for exterior usually means a well cared for interior.

2. Neutralize and de-clutter.

It is difficult for buyers to visualize themselves in a space when they are looking at someone elses family photos and heirlooms. Pack away all those family pictures and excess knickknacks. Paint the walls a neutral color, such as white or off-white. This makes the rooms appear larger and avoids objections to personal color choices.

3. If its broke, fix it.

Buyers see the value in a home that doesn't need repairs. The little things make a difference. Now is the time to complete the "Honey Do" list you have been putting off. You wouldn't try to sell a car that is broken. Don't sell a home that is broken either.

4. Focus on the kitchens and baths.

The kitchen and baths are the most important rooms in the house. When prioritizing your repair list, start with these rooms. You can't go wrong with an updated kitchen or bath. Even something as minor as new fixtures can make a world of difference.

5. Provide a Home Warranty.

If buyers are debating between two homes they like equally as well, they will go for the one with the Home Warranty most of the time. A Home Warranty costs between $300 and $400 and may be all it takes to tip the scales in your direction. If you take out the warranty when you list the house for sale, repairs that crop up during the listing period will also be covered.

Need some advice on repairs you need to do before selling your Snohomish County home? Give me a call at 425-308-3669. I am glad to help! Be sure to visit my website for all your Snohomish County real estate needs.