Marketing Your Home for Sale: Find Some Time, Get Some Distance

Many detail-oriented tasks and larger decisions will be made when you're putting your house on the market for sale. One of the most important things you can do to facilitate the process is to keep in mind there's a difference between the building as a house and the building as your home. While moving out can be emotional, being able to look at your house objectively will ease the selling process and help you get the best price for your home.

Start Small
The first thing you'll want to do is give your house a good cleaning. While this should include the basic spring cleaning list of washing walls, cleaning blinds and curtains, and removing clutter, you'll also want to begin to empty your house of items you don't need for daily use. Determine what household items you want to keep but don't need for the remainder of your time in the house and pack them away. You may want to take them to a friend's house or rent a storage area. You may also have several items of considerable value that you decide not to keep. Unless you want to simply give them away, most people find having a yard sale is an effective method of taking care of these things.

Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Other Projects
Bathroom and kitchen remodels are always among the most common home improvement projects. Not coincidentally, they also tend to have a significant impact on the final value of your home. Take the time to focus on these rooms and see what can be done to make them more appealing. Be sure to fix any leaky faucets or appliances that don't work. If the walls are dirty or chipped, consider painting them instead of just trying to clean them. You'll also want to walk around the rest of your house and identify areas that need to be worked on. If you're planning on hiring a real estate agent and haven't, this is the time to do so. They can offer advice about what kind of improvements will be cost-effective.

Home Inspections
While you're inspecting the aesthetic appearance of your home, you should hire a service professional to complete a structural inspection of your home. Many home buyers will ask for this inspection anyway and, this will allow you to ensure the buyer upfront that you've not hiding anything. On the other hand, not all home inspections are the same. While a typical home inspection will include a general structural evaluation including the foundation, roofing, gutters, siding and windows on the exterior and electrical, heating and air, ducts and vents, insulation, and smoke alarms on the inside, it may not include other inspections such as asbestos, termite, and other specific issues. Again, talk to your real estate agent as often these inspections aren't necessary in efficiently selling your house.

Putting Your Home on the Market
Just before your house goes on the market, go through everything again. Remove any worn or cumbersome furniture and rearrange the furniture that remains to make it look more attractive. Shampoo your carpets and stop wearing shoes inside. Once you begin showing the house, continue to vacuum and dust everyday. You should also consider putting out fresh flowers and baking cookies or pies on days when you're holding an open house. Keep a list of things to do and places to go while prospective buyers are viewing your house.

While the process may seem overwhelming, it's often the difference in successfully and quickly selling your home. The time and effort it takes to properly prepare your home is worth it when the alternative is the frustration, stress, and cost of being unable to sell your home for an extended period of time.