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Getting
the House Ready to Sell
Ceilings,
Walls and Painting
Check all
the ceilings for water stains, whether the leak is caused
by plumbing or a faulty roof. Find the leak and
repair it and make sure a proper job is done.
Nothing irritates a buyer more than finding out - after
the fact - about plumbing or roofing leaks. They
will be talking about calling a lawyer faster than your
car engine starts when you turn the ignition key.
If a water
stain is left after something you have already repaired,
do the cosmetic work necessary to improve the desirability
of your home. That means painting.
You may
have to paint anyway, especially if dirt has accumulated
in spots or you have an outdated color scheme.
Painting makes a home look fresh and new on the inside and
never fails to impress.
Painting can be your best investment when
selling your home. It is not a very expensive operation and often you
can do it yourself. Do not choose colors based on your own preferences,
but based on what would appeal to the widest possible number of buyers.
You should almost always choose an off-white color because white helps
your rooms appear bright and spacious.
Carpet
and Flooring
Unless your carpet appears old and worn,
or it is definitely an outdated style or color, you probably should do
nothing more than hire a good carpet cleaner. If you do choose to
replace it, do so with something inexpensive in a fairly neutral color.
Repair or replace broken floor tiles, but
do not spend a lot of money on anything. Remember, you are not fixing up
the place for yourself. You want to move. Your goal is simply to have
few negative impressions upon those who may want to purchase your
property.
copyright 2000 by Terry
Light and RealEstate ABC, revised 2002
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