Finding Your First Home

Posted on: 17 August 2016

When your realtor or real estate agent meets with you to discuss selling your home, there are a few things that he or she may have to discuss with you that might be a bit awkward. Knowing some of the finer points of home selling will save you a bit of time and help to make your home easier to sell. Here are four things your real estate agent wishes you already knew about your home.

People Can Tell You Have Pets 

Your pets are part of your family, but they can cause your home to smell. You may not notice this because you live with the animals every day, but prospective buyers may notice immediately. Be vigilant about changing litter boxes, and consider having your carpeting, drapes and upholstery professionally cleaned. Add some potpourri or air fresheners throughout the house to mask the smell, and be sure to give your pets a bath to help reduce odors.

Your House Has To Be Ready To Show

Your house may be your home, but while it is on the market, it needs to be ready to show at a moment's notice. This means you'll have to keep up with daily cleaning. Beds need to be made, laundry put away and dishes washed at all times. A potential buyer may walk away from a sale quickly if the house is messy. A messy house makes it more difficult for a buyer to imagine living in the home.

Small Repairs Matter

Everything you can do to make your house look more attractive without putting a lot of money into the house should be done before it is placed on the market. Broken stairs on the porch, burnt-out light bulbs and missing door knobs or cabinet handles are just a few of the small repairs that might not seem like a big deal to you, but they can all turn off a potential buyer.

Your Yard Must Look Great

Your front yard is the first thing buyers will see, so it is important to keep it maintained and clean. Keep your children's bikes and toys stored in the garage while they are not in use, and make sure that the grass gets trimmed regularly. If your house is on the market in the winter, make sure that the sidewalks are shoveled and salted to make it easy for buyers to approach the home.

Your real estate agent will discuss any issues he or she sees with your home, but handling these four things will help to make your house ready to sell before your real estate agent ever walks in the door.