Education

The time is now. Old Man Winter has come and gone and you are ready for a fresh start in a new home. Prepping your home for sale can be a daunting process… here are some easy ways to freshen up your home without breaking the bank!

 

  • Prepare the exterior. After a long winter, the yard can look dirty and disheveled, so you should clean out your yard and throw away old leaves and rubbish. Pressure wash the driveway, front walk and exterior. Check out your front door! What does it say? Would a pop of color help brighten up your curb appeal? How about some annuals planted around the walkway? Or a bright new welcome mat?

 

  • Bring Spring In! Perhaps some pretty flowers, or spring colored hand towels. Wash the windows, dust of the blind and clean mirrors to let the light shine in. Open the windows to air out your home. Clean, Clean Clean! Get rid of the salt and grime that collects on floors and floorboards. Put away winter items and rubber mats.

 

  • Tackle the Basement, Attic, and Garage. Often overlooked, these storage meccas can become a catch-all for junk. Use the still cool temps as an excuse to get down and dirty in these hot spots and organize them from top to bottom. Install shelving, pegboards for tools, and hanging brackets for bicycles and other large sporting equipment. Your goal is to pitch the junk, sell what you no longer need ( or call a company like Caring Transitions of Waukesha County to do it!) , and categorize the rest. Donate or recycle clothes, bedding and other items you don’t use anymore in order to free up storage space in your closets, basement and garage. These areas should look well organized and clean. Rubbermaid bins stacked neatly is always a great idea, or perhaps store off season clothing and equipment at a friends or family members house.

 

  • Use a critical eye and look for minor updates that will result in a big bang! Updating your home does not have to be expensive! Remove the brass light fixtures and handles/ hinges if possible and install something neutral. Remove outdated décor, Remove wallpaper, Freshen up the walls with a neutral color such as a cottage white or soft grey, install a tile backsplash in the kitchen, add bright bath rugs, buy a new shower curtain, add a pop of color with bathroom towels, replace any rusted vent covers or wall plates. If you are looking to spend a little money, adding 6 panel doors vs. a hollow door is a great option and makes every house look rich. If you are looking to spend more money, perhaps replace some outdated flooring or bathroom vanities.

 

  • Cookies! One of the best things that I tell my clients to do is put a little handwritten note thanking the buyer for stopping in next to a plate of cookies and a few cute napkins. And no, they don’t have to be homemade. When looking at houses, most buyers will try to maximize their time by viewing 3 or 4 at once. You want to stand out from the crowd? No one forgets the house with cookies, other agents included 🙂