Are you considering selling your Newport Beach home this fall? Inventory is low, and when a home is presented well, it will sell. It is imperative that your home be in tip top condition before putting it on the market in order to get top dollar for your property.

The following is a list of items that you will want to consider before putting your home on the market.

1. Organize and de-clutter your home.

• You have decided that you are moving from your Newport Beach home, so now is the time to go through every single closet, drawer, cabinet and de-clutter and organize your property. You are moving anyway, so time to get rid of un-necessary items which are merely taking up space. Organize closets, and drawers an remember that buyers will open closets and drawers to see how much space there is.
• I recommend taking down personal photographs. I have conducted open houses and broker previews, and anyone going through the house can often be distracted by personal photos. The goal would be to have your home be as neutral as possible so a potential buyer can imagine themselves living there.

2. Address deferred maintenance.

• What does your front yard look like? Make sure to remove any -un-necessary growth in flower beds and front yard. Remove weeds. Do you have sprinklers that are leaking in the front yard? Remember, we are in a drought, and that is another consideration a buyer will look at.
• Paint or touch up paint on exterior of home and interior of home. Also paint and touch up interior as well including baseboards and crown molding, fill nail holes and touch up. Fresh paint always gives a home a clean appearance.
• Repair or replace exterior screens. Clean windows, mirrors and shower doors.
• Clean, clean clean!
• Be sure to address any systems in your home that need attention including plumbing, electrical or HVAC. A home inspector will find fault with any of these items and it is best to have them in the best condition prior to putting it on the market. If a buyer sees any obvious deferred maintenance, they may assume the home has not been maintained and that will be reflective in their office.
• Replace burnt out light bulbs throughout the house.
  2. Touch up garden and add fall annual flowers.
• Remember we are in a drought, so purchase drought resistant plants. Be sure that garden is neat and tidy.
• Repair ANY leaks!
• Remember, your home only has one chance to make a good first impression.
• Add drought resistant potted plants in entry.

4. Stage your home.

• Add decorator pillows on couches and chairs to create warmth.
• Add house plants in a few strategic locations.
• Make sure beds are neatly made and decorator pillows are utilized.
• Consult your Realtor® and she may recommend a professional staging consultation.

5. Pets – not everyone loves Fido!

• If you have a a cat, I would recommend crating the cat or putting away during any showings. I have actually had some buyers afraid of a cat. If there is a liter box, put it in the garage.
• Birds can be messy, so if you have birds, make sure cages are clean (really clean) with no seed under it. You want to be sure that there are no offensive odors a potential buyer can be turned off by.
• Dogs can be overly friendly, and also can be intimidating to buyers. Take your dog out if you have a showing, or crate the dog. Be sure to have the yard picked up and clean, Nature’s Miracle works great to remove offensive odors.

If you would like a complimentary consultation on preparing your house to sell and complimentary comparative market analysis, please contact me.