As real estate professionals, sellers ask us all the time, "What is the most successful way to sell a home?" Therefore, we have some helpful hints to share with everyone for a successful home sale.
If you are going to live in your home while it is on the market, begin by decluttering your home. Box up anything that you are not using or anything that is taking up unnecessary space. Leave only what you absolutely can't live without. You want the house to look as empty as possible. Don't forget your 
closets and kids rooms. Potential buyers will look in closets, so be sure to only leave what outfits you will need. You want this area to also look as tidy as possible. In the children's rooms, pack away all their toys except just a few that don't leave clutter or large messes. Explain to them that their toys will be waiting for them at their new house. And pack up any valuables such as jewelry, cash, saving bonds, etc. You don't want these lying around when potential buyers come to look at your home. Remember, no matter how professional a real estate agent is, they are not guards for your valuable items. That is up to you. Another important thing to remember is to make sure the trash gets taken out regularly to avoid offensive odors. You can always help by placing scented candles around the home.
If you are not going to live in your home while it is on the market, then by-pass the above and begin here - cleaning the home. Everyone likes a clean home. Therefore, you will need to do a thorough cleaning of your home. Everything from the ceilings to the floors needs to be cleaned. Dust for cobwebs around the corners of your ceilings, clean bathrooms, polish bath fixtures, clean appliances, clean floors, etc. You will need to keep this up at all times while your home is on the market. Keep in mind that you are going to be up against model homes. Also, always keep your beds made. Unmade beds create negative images. You may even want to consider scheduled showings throughout the week. For example: Showings available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
If you do decide to have scheduled showings, ask your real estate professional if he or she is available to come at this time on these days. Also, make yourself scarce. Ask a neighbor if you can come over for a visit or take a drive somewhere. You never want to be around when potential buyers come to view your home. And you never want to volunteer any information or answer any questions the potential buyer may have. That is our job as real estate professionals to handle for you. And, it's in your best interest.
On warm days, turn your air conditioning down 4-5 degrees to help the home feel airy and inviting. In cooler weather, you may consider starting a fire in your fireplace with natural wood. This also sends an inviting feeling.
Do any necessary home repairs before you place your home on the market, such as fixing leaky faucets, touching up paint, replacing blown light bulbs, replacing any damaged blinds, etc.
Let's not forget the outside. You want potential buyers to come into your home right? Well, we have to get them to the door first. Start by cutting the grass. Fertilize, if necessary, for a greener lawn. Trim the hedges and clear out flower beds. Plant seasonal flowers to spruce things up a bit or add some mulch for a little décor. Also, paint the outside of your home if it needs it. This is a big deal for many buyers. Don't forget to clean out the gutters. You can also add some lawn furniture for extra home appeal.
Following these simple steps should help you have a successful home sale. Good luck everyone.
Realtors® Tom & Bev Herring - Tulsa, Oklahoma Real Estate
Spring is also the perfect time of year to spend time gardening and the traditional "Spring cleaning." And, it's more important than ever to clean in a more eco-friendly fashion. Therefore, if you truly love your home and environment, then follow these simple tips for your spring cleaning.