Prepare your property listings like a pro and boost profits

The reality is that all houses benefit from a little "spiffing up" before being shown to buyers, and smart home sellers will take the time and effort to do so. Here are some ways to encourage sellers to increase curb appeal for quicker sales and more profits:

Great curb appeal with immaculate landscaping, fresh paint, tidy closets and cabinets, spotless windows and a clutter-free feeling are essential to make a home really stand out. Impressing potential buyers is often a one-shot deal, so minor improvements can really count.

Encourage sellers to role play and walk through their homes as a buyer would. Give the home a critical look for dirt, flaws and cramped spaces. Are you imagining what life would be like in your new home, or all the work ahead of you?
Point out well-cared-for homes in the neighborhood, and details like neat yards fresh paint and entrance paths that are neat and welcoming. Then sellers can consider whether they need to tackle the tasks below:

- Pressure-clean rust, mold and mildew off exterior walls, sidewalks, decks, the roof and the driveway.

- Clean smudged windows and unclog gutters.

- Sweep sidewalks and driveways – and keep them clean.

- Edge sidewalks and remove weeds along the house and in the garden.

- Mow the lawn frequently while the home is listed.

- Trim back trees and shrubs that block the street view of your house for a more inviting appearance.

- Rake and remove leaves regularly.

- Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the roof.

- If you lack outdoor lighting, add a front porch light fixture and keep it turned on. Buyers often cruise by after dark to check out homes.

- Keep lights that are visible through front windows on for a warm appearance.

- If it’s in the budget, fresh exterior paint can make a house look like new.

- An attractive front door, perhaps with leaded glass inserts, creates a great first impression. If a new door isn’t in the budget, replace worn handles and locks and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.

- Clean carpets to remove odors and stains.

Indoor re-dos

- Every room, even the garage, should be spotless. Hiring a cleaning service is worth the minor investment if you are unable to give your home the once-over yourself. Clean major appliances, inside closets and do not forget to polish bathrooms.

- Eliminate offensive odors – cigarette smoke and pet odor are permanent turnoffs and kill a sale. Send smokers outdoors, keep pets groomed and their bedding clean and out of the way and vacuum daily.

- Make inexpensive repairs that greatly improve aesthetic appeal, such as repairing cracked grout, screwing in a loose shelf and replacing a cracked bath tile.

- Remove clutter. Potential homebuyers can’t envision themselves and their belongings in the home if they can’t see past the clutter. A rule of thumb is to eliminate at least one-third of your belongings from each room. If needed, invest in a storage space for your extraneous belongings while showing your home. Store small kitchen appliances and other items off countertops and tables; Remove photographs and knick knacks from tables; and organize closets, pantry and cabinets.

Tips for vacant homes

Your home should be welcoming to buyers even if it is vacant. Keep your empty home inviting with the following tips:

- Vacant homes accumulate stale or mildew-laden air. Leave the heat or air conditioning running (depending on the season) to cut down odors. Set up a few softly fragranced air fresheners.

- Put a few lights on a timer switch to come on throughout the day.

Improvements that are worth the time

While sellers should not take on major renovation projects that could cost thousands delay their listing date, you should examine the list of improvements you might have done if you weren’t selling. Here are some tips to add value to your home:

- Complete half-finished projects. No one will pay full price for a home that has half-painted rooms or a partially re-tiled bathroom. Now that you’re selling, it’s time to complete those projects you thought you could knock out yourself but never seem to have time to complete.

- Focus on the kitchen. Kitchens are critical to most buyers, and an outdated kitchen inevitably lowers home values. Something as simple as repainting cabinets and changing hardware can provide a facelift that can increase your home’s value. Add new cabinets and replace countertops and you could add thousands to your asking price.

- Paint the interior. Whether you have just a few too many smudges and dings, or your color scheme is too “1980s,” it can be well worth the dollar to transform interior walls with a few coats of neutral color. Get bids for the best deal and you’ll be surprised by how much better your home looks.

- Update or repair light fixtures. You can be sure that during a walk-through all lights will be switched on and questions will arise if a switch yields nothing but darkness.

- Repair appliances. Repair any appliances listed with the home or you can expect to not get your full list price.

Don’t bother

Installing carpeting may not provide much return for sellers. Skip the project and let the buyer perform the projects he or she wants to do. If you need a new roof, you might consider splitting the cost with the buyer. Many buyers are willing to meet you half way on major repair projects, since they will be benefiting from the repairs for years to come.

Ready, set, go!

Whether sellers choose to make lower-cost improvements or higher-dollar renovations that can raise your home’s asking price, it’s a proven fact that real estate listings in great shape typically sell for more than those that are in only passable condition. Time and again, sellers who prep their homes for sale in advance reap the benefits with a faster sale and a higher sale price.