How to Get The Edge When Selling This Spring

Tips on putting your house on the market:

Experts predict this spring to be another buys selling season so it is the wise home seller who figures out a strategy to get an edge. In some regions, there are more sellers than buyers, meaning you'll really need to make your house stand out from the rest. You'll definitely want your house to sparkle and stand up to the buyer's home inspection. Some ways to do that include:

-Make any necessary structural repairs. You may want to consider hiring a professional inspector to give the house a once over before you put it on the market. That way, there shouldn't be any surprises down the road once a potential buyer makes and offer and conducts their own inspection. A home inspection should cover drainage conditions, your home's exterior, the chimney, decks, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation, ventilation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.

-Clear out the clutter. Let buyers see the kitchen countertops. Have closets just half full so they look larger, clean out the garage, get rid of the knickknacks. And if you have a lot of furniture, put some of it in storage. Less furniture will make the room appear larger.

-Make a great first impression. A potential buyer's first impression is what is known as curb appeal. Keep the lawn mowed, trim the bushes and shrubs, clean the front windows, place a nice welcome mat out, make sure there's no clutter by the front door, clean out the spider webs, leaves and other debris near the front door and, speaking of front doors, make yours look great. Whether it's by painting it, cleaning it, hanging a seasonal wreath or adding a stylish new handle.

-Repaint any dingy looking walls. Keep colors neutral to attract a broad base of would-be buyers.

-Check out your shingles, make sure there aren't any loose ones.

-Repair and paint your gutters as well as shampoo your carpets.

Source: Homestore.com