The Do's and Don'ts of Putting Your Central Ohio Home for Sale

If you're putting up your Central Ohio home for sale, you're probably thinking about what you need to do to get it sold. Here is a list of do's and don'ts to help you along your way:

Do's

DO be prepared to have pictures taken of every room of your house. Research has shown that buyers searching online want more not less photos of homes.
DO clean, clean, clean. What may look like "family clutter" to you may also turn the buyer off.
DO replace hinges that are broken or worn, tighten doorknobs, etc. Buyers going through the house will open doors and cabinets. Having a doorknob come off in your hand is a definite deterrent to buying.
DO fix cracks and watermarks. You don't want to give potential buyers the idea that you still have plumbing problems.
DO take the time to stage your Central Ohio home for sale. This can significantly shorten the time it takes to sell, as well as raise the asking price.

Don'ts

DON'T spend a lot of money on major upgrades unless you have to. While you may have to replace a water heater that's trying to quit, you don't have to replace a carpet - just get it cleaned.
DON'T be stuck on one price. The real estate market changes constantly. Having a set price may get your home stuck on the market.
DON'T use your tax appraisal as an estimate for your home's value. Compare your home to those in the neighborhood that have sold for a better estimate.
DON'T pack until the sale is complete. If you absolutely have to, pack smaller things and hide the boxes.
DON'T follow the potential buyers through the house. This can cause them to feel they need to move through quickly, which lessens the chance of them buying. If at all possible, DON’T be home for showings.

Putting up your Central Ohio home for sale can be hard, especially if you've lived there for a long time. However, following these tips can help make the process a little easier.

When you're ready to sell your home, I can help you prepare it so it sells faster and for more money. Call me today at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com


KEYWORD: home for sale Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Pickerington, Canal Winchester, Columbus, Worthington, New Albany, Ohio

LINKS:
Replace hinges - http://www.acehardware.com/sm-installing-hinges--bg-1299656.html
Staging - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_staging
Water heater - http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/InstallWatHeater.html