The top five things you must do before putting your house on the market in Denver starts at the curb.

1. First impressions happen when the potential buyer pulls up to the house.

• How does your driveway and sidewalks look, are the clean, clear and level?
• Are your trees and bushes and shrubs living and trimmed.
• Is your grass green and flowers planted or prepped – if they are blooming yet, is the area clean and clear?

2. Since the buyers got out of the car, the next test is the front door.

• Is it freshly painted and do the locks work?
• Is the agent fussing and frustrated because the screen door is gross and dirty and then the lock didn’t work and even though the lock seems to work the door won’t push open.
• They buyer is watching and evaluating, before they go in.

3. The First 15 seconds in the house are extremely important.

• Make sure there isn’t an overpowering smell (good or bad too much fragrance or needless to say dog sweat isn’t good either).
• The entrance needs to be completely clutter free, scuff free and welcoming, so that they WANT to go to the next room.
• Keep them feeling good and wanting more.

4.  Kitchens typically sell a house, but that doesn’t mean you need brand new cabinets and counter tops. It does mean:

• Your drawers and doors need to work (buyers open them and yes, they look at what you have in there, so make sure private info is put away and the insides are organized).
• Buyers and touching and feeling, make sure things don’t fall out or off, and knobs and buttons working on the stove, dishwasher and other appliances.
• No dripping faucets or pipes. Fix any water damage and disclose the incident if there was one.

5. Make those bathrooms sparkle! Obviously you will be cleaning your heart out before showings mirrors, clutter etc, but go the extra step:

• Take that Clorox wipe and clean off the toothpaste off of the inside of the sink and make that faucet sparkle before you leave every day.

I know you might have a problem with a few things listed above, I have a handman and many other professionals who can help you fix any of the problems and let’s discuss which things are most cost effective if you have several problems. Obviously you are going to keep the house clutter free before showings and going to do your best for everything to be presentable, but here are a few more Bonus Tips:

If is isn’t too cold, crack your bedroom window, so that fresh air comes in and your sleep smell goes out.  You don’t need sprays to cover a smell, just air it out.  If it is too cold to leave it open then open it for a few minutes while you are straightening up before leaving.

Less furniture in every room is a must.  Take out 1/3 of the furniture you are used to living with to make the rooms feel bigger. For even more ideas, go to my video from last year it’s short but has a few more thoughts that will help you be ready before I get there for the first walk through.

Call me, I’d love to help you get your house sold!  303-995-3180

Livin’ Denver,