As the weather begins to warm up and the sun sticks around a little bit longer each day, those who are planning to put their home on the market are doing everything they can to prepare for what promises to be a strong selling season. At the same time, potential buyers are beginning to plan their weekends around searching for homes, which means you need to be ready when they hit the pavement.
If you’re not sure where to begin, try tackling these DIY jobs to get your home in tip-top shape.
Start by cleaning all the windows and opening them up to let the air and sun shine through. Nothing says spring as much as a bright living room, and most buyers are attracted to rooms with natural light.
Now is also the perfect time of year to switch out batteries on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. While you’re at it, take the time to replace any light bulbs that have burned out and dust those corners you’ve been neglecting for far too long.
The next chore on your list should be the kitchen. Spend a day cleaning the kitchen, doing a full clear-out of the foods you don’t need in the fridge or cabinets. Defrost the freezer and add baking soda to your fridge to eliminate any odors. Don’t forget to clean the oven so that when prospective buyers open the door to examine it, it’s looking as new as possible.
In addition to the inside of your home, you’re going to want to spend some time fixing up the outside, as well. Plant some foliage or shrubbery and give the outside of your home a new look. Bring bursts of color with beautiful annual flowers, perennials, trees and shrubs.
If you have a deck, rent a power washer and remove any dirt, debris or moss that may have seeped in during the fall and winter months. You can also use the power washer on your driveway, the side of your home, or any other place that needs a good cleaning.
Last, but not least, take the time to fix anything that’s broken or that may have failed during the year. This includes fence boards that have blown over, squeaky doors, or even the air conditioner that’s no longer working.
By springing into action on these ideas, you could soon be spending the next season in your new home.
