Helpful hints for home sellers in Charleston & Mt. Pleasant, SC

CURB APPEAL CHECKLIST

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Flowers for instant curb appeal The experts all agree that curb appeal is one of the most important aspects to consider when selling your home.When selling, it's the appearance from the street that will very often determine whether potential buyers come in to see the inside, or never get out of their cars. Flowers are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make the front of your house look inviting and instantly increase the curb appeal of your home. Without any real landscaping at all, flowers can transform a rather drab and dreary looking front yard into one that looks colorful and lush. Especially during spring and summer, you should take advantage of the season by planting pots and flower boxes. You should choose colorful flowers that will be in bloom during the time you're selling your home. Planting the flowers in planter boxes and pots is easier than planting them in the ground and lets you more easily place them where they can have the most visual impact. You don't need to have a green thumb, or spend a lot of money to get great results either. Visit your local home improvement center or nursery and they will be happy to advise you of the best flowers and plants for your purpose. You can put together several very nice planter boxes and pots of flowers for well under $100. And it's easy! One of the nice things about using flowers in this way is that you'll see the results immediately. And so will buyers visiting your home!

The Back Yard You only get one chance to make a first impression. When buyers are looking at your home, they will usually know almost instantly whether they like it or not.  Make sure that by the time they get to looking at the back yard, you keep that great first impression going.  Especially during summer months, when buyers will be thinking about barbeques and children playing, the back yard can make an important impression. If you have a pool or hot tub make sure you keep it looking clean and neat.  If your lawn is looking a little bit weak, some fertilizer and watering will bring back the deep green color.  Be sure you mow and edge your lawn frequently until your home is sold.  Cut back overgrown shrubs to show more of the exterior of your home.  It will look more tidy and also makes the yard look bigger.  Fences should be in good repair, and you should consider painting them.  Make sure all latches and hinges are in good working order.  If you have a dog, be extra vigilant to keep the “evidence” to a minimum.  You can plant a few annuals to add some instant color that looks great.  If you have a patio, make sure the furniture is clean and strategically placed.  Consider adding some potted plants. In short, do everything you can to make your back yard look as inviting and large as possible.  It could mean the difference between an excited buyer and one with nagging doubts!

Preparing Your House for Sale One of the first things I will do before putting your house on the market is prepare your house for sale. I want to show your house off in its best light to maximize your earning potential. I will tour your house with the eye of a buyer - what works, what doesn't work. Curb Appeal Does your house have curb appeal? Can we give it a little more pizzazz to draw the buyer in? Would a bit of touch-up paint add dollars to the sale? What about the garden? Is the lawn in order and neatly edged? Are trees and bushes neatly pruned? Are flowers in bloom? If not, it may be time for a garden upgrade. Adding colorful annuals to the front garden will make a big difference. Remember, creating curb appeal will add dollars to your house's final selling price.   Inspect the outside ground. Remove any building materials, scrap wood, discarded household items, etc. from the property. Store garbage cans in the garage. Check the home from the roof line down. Is the roof free and clear from obstructions and moss? Are the gutters clear and neatly hung? Are the windows clean and free from obstructions (such as overgrown bushes or trees)? Are bushes, trees and shrubs neatly pruned? Inspect the condition of the paint or siding? Is it time to power wash the siding? Is touch up paint needed? Is the front door in good shape? Do flower beds need an upgrade? Are plants neatly pruned? Is the bed free and clear of weeds? Is the bed properly mulched? Are flowers in bloom? Keep the lawn neatly groomed. Is the lawn free from weeds? Is the lawn free from grass clippings? Is the lawn neatly edged? Welcome Home As I walk in the door of your house, I will ask myself, "Will this house say, 'Welcome home' to a buyer?" Looking through the eyes of a buyer, I will recommend changes that will enhance sales appeal. I'll help you eliminate anything that gives the appearance of clutter. Countertops should be free and clear. Knickknacks, souvenirs, family photos, refrigerator artwork - it's gone. We need to "de-personalize" the house so buyers can imagine it as their home. Closets and cupboards should appear large and roomy. It's time to make a donation to a local charity or store belongings at a friend's or family member's home. Reviewing your home room-by-room, I will make recommendations that impact the sale. I'll point out the pieces of furniture that should be removed, rooms that need new paint, carpet that needs to be changed, fixtures that need polishing, windows that need cleaning, and any other improvement that can easily be made to promote the sale. Welcome Home Checklist > Setting the Stage Before the first buyer walks in your door, I'll show you how to set the stage. We want to engage the buyer's senses. Lighting is critical. We'll draw back curtains, open blinds, change light bulbs and add lighting where needed to welcome the buyer. We'll enhance the ambiance with music playing lightly in the background and insure a pleasing aroma emanates from every room.