Putting the house on the market.

[lucigo]

My husband is working 450 miles away. At least he has job right? So I'm going to put the house on the market and see what happens. I don't really have any money to spend and we will be lucky to get what we owe already. What are the top priorities when getting your house ready? Paint? Flooring? just try to keep it clean? If you are looking at a house what really stands out for you?

and just venting here...
We have SO MUCH STUFF! I work at home and we have 4 kids, a cat (with kittens) and a dog. I feel like its going to be a full time job just keeping it clean. We have lived here 10 years and the more I clean the more I feel like we belong on the horders show. Goodwill has come to know us on a first name basis LOL

 

[Princess Nancy]

We have moved several times. I have NEVER painted, I have never spent more than $100 redecorating etc.

Declutter is the best. With that said I bought my curren home from a family with animals and 4 kids and tons of stuff. Yes, the cupboards were crammed full anf her bedroom had double the furniture in it I have, but it was clean and organzied and did not smell of animal.


When I sold my old house, my Mom and I spent 2 weeks everyday when the kids were at school organizing. We moved furniture not for function but to stage the house, so it all looked lovely.

My best friend though is cleaning supplies. Clean everything. Carry a Mr. Clean Magic eraser in your pocket for all the marks that you think cannot come off. I just cleaned the outside of my garage door (the one that goes from the e garage into the house). My kids thought I had painted it!

Be sure to clean all the doors and light switches from fingerprints, you will be surprised how good it looks.

Good luck! I think the hardest part is maintaining it. Keeping the laundry put
away and the kids from leaving things just lying everywhere!

 

[Gigi22]

Cleanliness and declutter/depersonalize. And, here's a quick housekeeping tip from a friend's mom--make sure the bathrooms are really clean. People will go look at your bathroom very closely, and will assume that you keep your entire house the same way. I would say this applies to the kitchen too.
I sympathize with the decluttering thing--perhaps you can start packing up the stuff you intend to move with you but don't use often, and rent storage?
Paint if at all possible.

 

[DisneyZell]

We have just put our house on the market, so I know where you are coming from! One of the best things we did was declutter. We boxed up a lot of stuff (pictures, knick-knacks, toys, etc), put a lot of stuff in storage...it has made the house look so much bigger doing that. We also touched up many walls that had marks on them and in some cases had to paint the whole wall again! We steam cleaned our carpets and shined up our hardwood floors. We put crown molding up in our master bedroom and our downstairs office. We brought in a lot of new mulch for our yard and bought a couple plants for the porch. The places we have spent money on for the most part are paint, crown molding, and flowers/mulch. I also tiled our laundry/mud room (changed it from linoleum), but I did so very cheaply (around $70). But, I do think the most important thing is to have it clean!

A lot of the stuff we did we were planning to anyway, and in case we don't sell the house, we will be glad we did it! Good luck.

 

[descovy]

Yes, declutter. You say you have a lot of stuff. Even stuff that you aren't giving away, may as well PACK. You'll have to sooner or later.

We rented a storage unit and "prepacked" for a good month in our free time. Like I say, it's gotta go now or later, may as well get it out of the way now.

Before you spend money on anything (like flooring) talk to a Realtor first. They'll tell you what you need to do for resale sake... it may be different than you think.

For example, we were told to put in new carpet (vs a "carpet allowance") but not a new roof. Around here houses go for 90-95% of the asking price. So even if you "do it all" the buyer will want to talk you down. Sure enough, our buyer gave us a full price offer, but after inspection asked for a $3000 credit for the roof. Had we done the roof too, the house would have sold for the same amount (based on per sq foot trends for the neighborhood) but we would have to give a discount for something else... and still be out the price of a roof. We also sprung for a $300 1year home warranty plan... systems (HVAC, etc) were 10-15years old, still in working order, but gave a piece of mind if something went wrong.

 

[MG3G]

I also have a big crazy household - 3 kids, 2 cats, 2 dogs, DH and I. I know where you are coming from My mom is an agent and we have flipped our way up on several houses.

Here are our tricks to sell a home we live in-

1- Destash - trash, donate, garage sale (BUT if it doesn't sell YOU CAN NOT KEEP IT! donate.) Anything that you haven't used in 6 months to a year you should consider letting go of. This includes the kids toys - get them on board with you. IE if they donate toys they are helping kids AND as a reward you will do X for them.

2- Curb appeal. NOW before you list work on making sure the outside of your house looks nice. IE you want to get that look where people drive by and think "oh what a nice house." so when you do list you get "oh my that nice house is for sale! Wow lets go see it." Believe me it works! I have seen neighbours by someones house on more then one occasion because they knew the house ahead of time.

3- Empty - rent a storage locker if you have to. You want your place to look bigger then it is. (Even if it is big already!) Take nearly everything out of your attic, garage, closents and storage areas to make the house look like it has lots of storage! Storage areas are great in a home but they detract if they are packed to the gills. Keep a few things in there so people don't automatically think "oh they got rid of everything to sell - they must not have enough storage"

4- Define. Do you have any wierd rooms in your house? A bedroom used as a gym, a diningroom used as an office? Time to give those up. Rooms should be what they are - bedrooms should have beds in them. Bedrooms sell better then offices, dens, etc. Same goes for any other places you have had creative planning for. Many people need to be shown what a room is for or they get confused.

5- Furniture and paint. Stupid as it sounds since they aren't buying the furniture a lot of people can't see past the decorations to get to the "bones of a house" (This is where I am fortunate because I can and have scored some great houses because of this You want to make sure that each room is tidy and has nice minimal furniture. Overcrowded rooms don't sell, neither do old dated rooms. Paint out ONLY any odd colours - NO your entire house does not have to be neutral as long as it is tasteful. Don't waste your money or time painting everything just what needs it!

6- Now I am guessing that renos are out of the question? If you decide to spend any money fixing up the house - first go for anything major - IE do you need a new furnace, appliances, worn out flooring, THEN if you have money go for the big things - new kitchens and updated bathrooms sell. BUT old clean kitchens and bathrooms sell too so if you can't afford the update work with what you have!

7- Get kids on board for open houses. Yes it is HARD to keep your house show room clean but it is easier if you have done all the prep work I have suggested. (Most of which won't cost very much money either!) Make it a game - we play "mess police" we also let our kids help with reno work so they feel attached to the idea of trying to sell. Our older two have been painting and landscaping since preschool. Get them on board that you are going to be living closer to Daddy!!!

Anyway I sure hope this helps! Good luck with selling

 

[Kika]

I agree with the posts above. Clean and declutter as much as possible. Also, make sure the house has curb appeal, since people's first impressions of the house will be when they drive up to it.

Best of luck!

 

[PA Princess]

You have gotten some really great advice already, so I will not add a lot to that but just offer a word of encouragement.

We sold our home last February. We have four kids (which I was homeschooling at that time), my mom lived with us, and we had two cats. I totally get how hard it is to get a home (and we had a large home) ready to sell with all of the people and animals. The good news is that it is doable. We sold in 6 weeks for asking price and our realtor was stunned with where the market was at and the winter weather.

Clean and de-clutter are your two best options - they are free and they seem to have a big impact. Good luck on the house sale.

 

[ceecee]

We repainted our house (all neural colors). The guy asked us at the closing about the extra paint in the garage (we left the extra paint) and he loved the green that was in DD's room before it was repainted!!! Wished we would have known since the green was less than a year old. Most people will probably want to paint themselves so as long as it's clean I would leave it alone.
I agree with the OP declutter, get all photos down and CLEAN! Especially with pets watch for any smells that might be offensive.

 

[dclfun]

I'll add another vote for de-cluttering. Also organizing and cleaning your cabinets, closets and even your fridge. People will open those doors. When we sold our home quickly and for the asking price 1 1/2 years ago ( when not much was selling) it was because the buyers had seen other similar homes that weren't as clean and tidy as ours. I boxed up things we no longer wanted/needed and had Salvation Army come to remove them along with large furniture that I knew I didn't want to move with us. I could have probably sold things on Ebay or had a garage sale but really didn't have the energy or time. I brought boxes of things to work for co-workers to take that were nearly new but that my kids had outgrown and/or didn't want. Clean,clean, clean. Use Febreeze to freshen up your upholstered furniture or just spray it on the carpet. Light candles and hang fresh linens in the bathrooms. Put fresh soap bars out in the bathrooms. Remove things from surfaces. Remove family photos and knick-nacks. Open window blinds- people like lots of light and large, airy rooms. Good luck with your sale- 450 miles is a longggg commute!--Kathy

 

[lucigo]

Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful advice!!

I just bought a giant hanging plant for the front porch and will make sure to clean off the porch, you get used to seeing the same "stuff" everytime you walk up!

Today I am cleaning out the shed, and most of it will go. Its actually good that DH is in Orlando because I don't have to ask him if he wants to keep things I can just toss them!!

I am tackling this one room at a time. Mine is almost done, I'm going to head to big lots today to look for a neutral comforter or blanket. It actually is starting to look like a bedroom again LOL My 7yo has been sleeping with me since DH left for Orlando in Jan. so it had been looking more like a little boy's room.

If I can't fit everything in the shed I am going to look into a storage unit, either here or in Orlando! Wish me luck as I move on to the kids rooms, hopefully later today!!

Keeping it clean is going to be a challenge, but hopefully once its done it will be easier to keep that way??!!!

 

[lucigo]

My best friend though is cleaning supplies. Clean everything. Carry a Mr. Clean Magic eraser in your pocket for all the marks that you think cannot come off. I just cleaned the outside of my garage door (the one that goes from the e garage into the house). My kids thought I had painted it!

Be sure to clean all the doors and light switches from fingerprints, you will be surprised how good it looks.

Good luck! I think the hardest part is maintaining it. Keeping the laundry put
away and the kids from leaving things just lying everywhere!

Must get another Magic Eraser, thanks!!!

ANd yes, today is the first day in years I have seen my laundry room floor...now all the clean laundry s folded on the dining room table!

I also have a big crazy household - 3 kids, 2 cats, 2 dogs, DH and I. I know where you are coming from My mom is an agent and we have flipped our way up on several houses.

Here are our tricks to sell a home we live in-

1- Destash - trash, donate, garage sale (BUT if it doesn't sell YOU CAN NOT KEEP IT! donate.) Anything that you haven't used in 6 months to a year you should consider letting go of. This includes the kids toys - get them on board with you. IE if they donate toys they are helping kids AND as a reward you will do X for them.

Doing this now, it actually feels really good to get rid of stuff!

2- Curb appeal. NOW before you list work on making sure the outside of your house looks nice. IE you want to get that look where people drive by and think "oh what a nice house." so when you do list you get "oh my that nice house is for sale! Wow lets go see it." Believe me it works! I have seen neighbours by someones house on more then one occasion because they knew the house ahead of time.
RIght Now everything is blooming so I need to get the pix done! Also bought hanging plants for the porch.

3- Empty - rent a storage locker if you have to. You want your place to look bigger then it is. (Even if it is big already!) Take nearly everything out of your attic, garage, closents and storage areas to make the house look like it has lots of storage! Storage areas are great in a home but they detract if they are packed to the gills. Keep a few things in there so people don't automatically think "oh they got rid of everything to sell - they must not have enough storage"

We have 2 storage sheds, just have to get them cleared out so we can fill them with totes!!

4- Define. Do you have any wierd rooms in your house? A bedroom used as a gym, a diningroom used as an office? Time to give those up. Rooms should be what they are - bedrooms should have beds in them. Bedrooms sell better then offices, dens, etc. Same goes for any other places you have had creative planning for. Many people need to be shown what a room is for or they get confused.

Our front room, originally the living room, has 2 computer desks, a futon and a giant fish tank in it. I work at home as a medical transcriptionist and like being in the front of the house so I can keep track of what is going on (I have a son with autism). Can't really redefine, hope people have an imagination? LOL We have a big family room now also.

5- Furniture and paint. Stupid as it sounds since they aren't buying the furniture a lot of people can't see past the decorations to get to the "bones of a house" (This is where I am fortunate because I can and have scored some great houses because of this You want to make sure that each room is tidy and has nice minimal furniture. Overcrowded rooms don't sell, neither do old dated rooms. Paint out ONLY any odd colours - NO your entire house does not have to be neutral as long as it is tasteful. Don't waste your money or time painting everything just what needs it!

My DH is the painter....he will be home for the summer (he is a teacher) so I'm saving that job for him!!

6- Now I am guessing that renos are out of the question? If you decide to spend any money fixing up the house - first go for anything major - IE do you need a new furnace, appliances, worn out flooring, THEN if you have money go for the big things - new kitchens and updated bathrooms sell. BUT old clean kitchens and bathrooms sell too so if you can't afford the update work with what you have!

We have renovated a lot already, new kitchen, new master bath, lots of new flooring. There are a few things that need to be touched up. The realtor is having someone come fix my kitchen ceiling where Ivan's wrath still is apparent.

7- Get kids on board for open houses. Yes it is HARD to keep your house show room clean but it is easier if you have done all the prep work I have suggested. (Most of which won't cost very much money either!) Make it a game - we play "mess police" we also let our kids help with reno work so they feel attached to the idea of trying to sell. Our older two have been painting and landscaping since preschool. Get them on board that you are going to be living closer to Daddy!!!


Kids are excited to be moving, oldest wants to go to UCF, 15yo wants a fresh start. Littlest wants daddy back. My 19yo son says he is staying here...we will see. Trying to get him to clean his room, I told him Monday I will go in there with a bulldozer - he has been warned!
Anyway I sure hope this helps! Good luck with selling

 

[lucigo]

For example, we were told to put in new carpet (vs a "carpet allowance") but not a new roof. Around here houses go for 90-95% of the asking price. So even if you "do it all" the buyer will want to talk you down. Sure enough, our buyer gave us a full price offer, but after inspection asked for a $3000 credit for the roof. Had we done the roof too, the house would have sold for the same amount (based on per sq foot trends for the neighborhood) but we would have to give a discount for something else... and still be out the price of a roof. We also sprung for a $300 1year home warranty plan... systems (HVAC, etc) were 10-15years old, still in working order, but gave a piece of mind if something went wrong.

I have considered the carpet issue, we only have carpet in the bedrooms and family room, and it could all use replacing, its not horrible but not new by any means. I think I will let them pick it out though....they may want something other than carpet??

 

[PatMcDuck]

We want to sell next year, so we are trying to work on things now (15 year old house). We began working on the lawn last year, so it would be ok by 2011.

I think my biggest question is about the flooring. It is 15 year old builders carpet, and it is destroyed. (4 kids, 2 dogs, cat, etc) It all needs to be replaced, every room. I am going to consult a local realtor, who sells many homes in our area. But, I think we need to put hardwoods everywhere. At least downstairs.......but I am torn about the bedrooms, and the downstairs bath and kitchen. I lean towards hardwood everywhere! Seems easier.

It will cost alot, but I think it could make our house sell fast compared to others in town. It would all need to be re-carpeted anyway..... and odds are, buyers would not like whatever we picked.

 

[clutter]

Just had my house power-washed, listing it in 1 1/2 weeks. It really looks amazing. If you paint anything, make it the front door.

And yes, get rid of extraneous furniture! We're actually moving out before I put it on the market. I'm leaving LR and DR furniture (but not too much), some pictures on the walls and that's it. I think light, open shows so much better. A friend listed her house and has a picture of her LR. It's pretty in real life, but she's got heavy drapes and sheers. It makes the pic of the room look dark and cluttered.

 

[dawson5]

You said you were looking for a new comforter, if you don't find one at GW check out Kmart. I think they were have a one size sale and you could get them pretty cheap. Might come with more than just the comforter too. (check your sunday ads, I was reading them the other day. Might have been sears or penneys, pretty sure it wasn't kohls though.)


Have you looked at homes for sale online? I did this before we sold our last house. It was easy to see what appealed to most people. Sometimes just looking at another home gives you new ideas on what needs to be done. (Also take note of the picture angles. I drug my feet going to look at our home. Whoever took the picture, did it at such an odd angle that it made the house/front door seem uninviting and the living room odd. Sometimes those online pictures turn people away.)

You might be able to pick up remnants fairly cheap. Apartment grade carpet can be done cheaply too. It doesn't hold up well, but it's new and clean.

 

[micheleq]

Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful advice!!

I just bought a giant hanging plant for the front porch and will make sure to clean off the porch, you get used to seeing the same "stuff" everytime you walk up!

Today I am cleaning out the shed, and most of it will go. Its actually good that DH is in Orlando because I don't have to ask him if he wants to keep things I can just toss them!!

I am tackling this one room at a time. Mine is almost done, I'm going to head to big lots today to look for a neutral comforter or blanket. It actually is starting to look like a bedroom again LOL My 7yo has been sleeping with me since DH left for Orlando in Jan. so it had been looking more like a little boy's room.

If I can't fit everything in the shed I am going to look into a storage unit, either here or in Orlando! Wish me luck as I move on to the kids rooms, hopefully later today!!

Keeping it clean is going to be a challenge, but hopefully once its done it will be easier to keep that way??!!!

Good luck OP! My house is going on the market as soon as we get the exterior painted. My DH leaves for Michigan June 1st for his new job, we will be following August 1st.

I've been de-cluttering for the last few weeks, and now I am down to my girls rooms. Luckily, my parents live a few blocks away, and they have a walk-up finsihed attic that I am going to move most of their toys into.

If you are supersticious at all, get a small statue of St. Jospeh and bury him in your front yard. There are prayers and instructions online. We did this in our last house and it was on the market for a short period of time. The Italian-Catholic in me believes it can't hurt!

Loving all the advice on this thread, thanks OP & everyone! Keep it coming!

 

[hickchick]

We listed 2 weeks ago and have had 4 showings this week. We have decluttered every room, washed the windows, painted one bathroom counter, stripped wallpaper border in the same bathroom and painted, hand washed laminate floors, pledge wiped all cabinets and doors, organized all of the closets, Febrezed the couches, and put down all new mulch in the flower beds...whew!

Now we sit and wait with our fingers crossed...open house next Saturday, and hopefully more showings before then...

 

[twinklebug]

Before showing the house, check your kids rooms each and every time. I recall hitting one house and in the boy's room the kids had put a masking tape body-outline on the floor.... looked fresh too. I don't think the seller knew

Seems like you know everything plus some. I'm taking notes here too, might need to help my parents sell their house within the next few years. I've only sold one house in my life and the first open house we had 2 offers. Both were above asking price too, but this was 6 years back.

 

[lucigo]

You said you were looking for a new comforter, if you don't find one at GW check out Kmart. I think they were have a one size sale and you could get them pretty cheap. Might come with more than just the comforter too. (check your sunday ads, I was reading them the other day. Might have been sears or penneys, pretty sure it wasn't kohls though.)


Have you looked at homes for sale online? I did this before we sold our last house. It was easy to see what appealed to most people. Sometimes just looking at another home gives you new ideas on what needs to be done. (Also take note of the picture angles. I drug my feet going to look at our home. Whoever took the picture, did it at such an odd angle that it made the house/front door seem uninviting and the living room odd. Sometimes those online pictures turn people away.)

You might be able to pick up remnants fairly cheap. Apartment grade carpet can be done cheaply too. It doesn't hold up well, but it's new and clean.

I found a comforter set at Big Lots, it was $50 but came with throw pillows, bedskirt etc.

I'm trying to take a lot of pictures myself Our competition are all of the newer brick cookie-cutter homes. Our house is older but renovated. What we have to offer that they don't is an acre yard. We are in A rated school districts and a good location. Hopefully it will sell!!