Don't let a double mortgage become a drag. The secret to selling a home fast is simple.
Here's a list of improvements from Better Homes and Gardens Building Ideas magazine guaranteed to increase one's chances of impressing a prospective buyer.1. Reduce the clutter. Sort through closets, cupboards, and storage areas; toss what can be thrown away, organize the rest. If rooms are filled to excess, put some pieces of furniture in storage while selling the house. Likewise, park a camper, boat or an extra car at another location.
2. Clean. Not only should the house be spotless, it must smell clean. Apply elbow grease and strong cleaners to the surfaces inside and outside the home. Hire professionals to shampoo all carpeting.
3. Paint. Light, neutral colors have a broader appeal and can make small rooms seem larger and airier. Remove wild or dated wallpaper and paint the walls. Choose premium-quality paint. Fill all nail holes and caulk before painting.
4. Make minor repairs. Tighten loose knobs, lubricate squeaky hinges, and fix leaky faucets. Clean out clogged drains, replace dirty filters, and secure loose shingles. Fix holes in screens, replace broken panes, and remove stains.
5. Repair a leaky roof. One tiny water stain on the ceiling will cause prospective buyers to question the entire roof. Fix the source of the leak, then repair any damage caused to the ceiling.
6. Repair a wet basement. The problem can be as easy to fix as installing covers over window wells. If the moisture problem calls for more extensive repairs that are not affordable, be prepared to explain the problem to the buyer. Never try to cover up the signs of a wet basement.
7. Exterminate. One bug, dead or alive, can make a bad impression on a buyer. Call in a professional to rid the home of insects such as termites, ants, wasps, and cockroaches. Repair any damage caused by insects. Allow time for the smell of the pesticide to disappear before showing the home.
8. Organize the kitchen. Clear off the counters. Add drawer organizers to suggest efficient use of space. (Manufactured units are widely available.) Straighten up the pantry. Store seldom-used small appliances and large baking pans.
9. Update the bath.
10. "Gussy" up the front entrance. Prune bushes and place blooming container plants near the steps or along the walk.