To buy or sell a home or condo in Tampa Bay Florida, call upon an expert

Home Selling  Tips  for  Tampa  Florida

     When you're preparing to sell a home, its important that the home "shows like a model home."  You may want to engage a professional to "stage" your home so it presents itself for maximum marketing advantage.

     The following are things you can do yourself that will make your home "sho like a model."

INSIDE YOUR HOME

• Remove all unnecessary furniture throughout the home.  Keep decorative items to a minimum.
  
• Clear all unnecessary items from kitchen countertops.  Remove refrigerator magnets and photos.  A clean and neat kitchen looks bigger than it is.
  
• Remove all unnecessary items from all other rooms.  Less furniture and clutter makes a room seem larger.  Remember the last model home you were in?  Remember how little furniture was in each room?
  
• Remove most personal photos.  We want prospective buyers to mentally "see themselves living in your home."  Your family's personal items make it harder for them to do that.    Remember, too, that we want the prospects to see your home, not your collections.
  
• Clean all carpets, drapes & windows.  Your home should shine and the windows and window treatments are so visible that its important to have them in the very best condition possible
  
• Repaint when necessary in light neutral colors.   This will remove any sense that the prospective buyer's furnishings and decor will not work in your home.
  
• If your appliances are dated, consider upgrading to stainless steel."   Stainless Steel appliances are the "latest thing" and they add a luxurious touch as well as value. if you have room, and your price point is relatively high, add a glass-front wine cooler for real upscale appeal.
  
• Give your baths that "Five-Star" look. Make the tile glisten.  If there is carpeting and it's dated, replace it.  Add thick, white luxury hotel-style towels and maybe even some of the "goodies" you see in model homes -- scented reeds or candles, cotton-ball holders, and brand new matching toothbrush and soap holders.
  
• Install one size larger light bulbs and leave all lamps and lights on during showings.  Brighter rooms look larger and feel more spacious.
  
• Have your FM stereo playing soft music during showings.  It helps prospective buyers relax during a stressful time.
  
• Allow your Realtor to put a lockbox on the property.  Some agents won't bother to show a home where they have to arrange to meet someone at the home and we want all the "showings" we can get.
  

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

     Remember that the Buyer's first and most lasting impression of your home will be what they see as they drive up.   It's called "Curb Appeal."

• Remove everything outside your home that doesn't need to be there.  Mmove garbage cans, etc. into the garage.  If the property is a condominium, make sure any exterior furniture on the patio or deck is in perfect condition.
  
• If you have them, check your gutters & roof for leaks, damage or peeling paint. Get the repairs done before the home is shown for the first time. We want the home to look "very well maintained."
  
• Paint the front door and put down a new doormat.  Your front door is the first thing a prospective buyer will see up close so.  Make sure the doorbell works and is in good shape. If not replace it.
  
• If its a private home, mow the grass and fertilize it.  Make it as green as possible.  Keep the lawn neatly edged.  Prune your bushes & trees so they don't block windows.  Put down fresh mulch.  Keep the driveway and walks swept clean.
  
• Check your mailbox.  Be sure it is painted, straight and upright and the grass is neatly trimmed around it.
  
  
• Make sure the garage door is down if it's visible from the street.

     Even if you're just beginning to think about selling a home, Click on the "Free Home Market Evaluation" button above or call me. I'd be more than pleased to tour your home and give you advice that will help you sell your home fast, for the highest reasonable price.