The real estate market in Rhinebeck and surrounding areas is very competitive. You can help your house sell quicker and at a higher price by focusing on some of these key selling points.

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A little elbow grease could net a higher sale price!

People usually decide within two minutes whether they like your house or not. The first impression is often the lasting impression. And they start forming their opinion before they even walk in the front door! So, it is smart to ask yourself if your house is as presentable as it can be for a faster sale at the best price. The best way to find out is to imagine you are a prospective buyer. You’ve probably been looking at other homes – so, present your home the way you would look at other houses.

I will do everything necessary to attract the prospects. However, when it comes down to it, your house is going to have to help sell itself. 

Time-tested tips to make your home more presentable.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to do cosmetic make-overs which will improve your chances of selling, and avoid making major changes unless they will increase the value of your home. If you are in doubt, ask me.

Clean up. Fix up and paint outside.

• Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first glance. A well-maintained, manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery and cleanly swept walkways create a good first impression – ‘curb appeal.”
  • An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.
  • Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.
  • Consider planting flowers outside the front door.
• If necessary, paint your house. This can probably do more for your home’s sales appeal than any other single factor. Repaint the front door. Choose a bright coat of paint on your mailbox. If you decide against painting, consider touching up front shutters and window frames.
• Inspect the roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place? In need of paint or repair? Repair broken outdoor steps.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. If drab, paint cabinets and replace old, faded or out-of-date curtains with new. Clean the ventilating hood over the range. If the kitchen floor is badly worn, consider new flooring. Replace any loose tiles.

Bathroom

Repair dripping faucets. Use special cleaning products to remove stains from toilets, bathtubs, sinks and showers. If sink and bathtub drain slowly, unclog them. Make certain there are no “musty” odors.

Living areas

• Have all plaster in tiptop shape. Cracks (or nail pops or visible seams in dry walls) are easily repaired. Check ceilings for stains from leaks – repair the cause of the damage, repair the ceiling and paint.
• Faded curtains or bedspreads can be dyed bright colors.
• If you have a fireplace, clean it out and place natural logs in it for an inviting appearance.
• Wash windows. Mend torn screens. Check to see that all windows will open and close easily.
• Be certain every light switch is in working order.
• Clean and polish floors.
• Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads (drive two long finishing nails at opposing angles through the floor and sub-floor into the joist).
• Straighten up the closets – get rid of excess items. Use air freshener to eliminate musty odors.
• Lubricate any sticky or squeaking doors. For doors that squeak slightly, rub a block of paraffin against the surface that shows signs of wear. For sliding doors that stick in their tracks, rub the tracks with paraffin or candle wax.

Basement / Attic / Garage

Clean out attic, basement and garage and dispose of everything you will not need until you are settled in your new home. Make certain there is plenty of light on the stairs to the basement. If your basement is dark and gloomy, pint ceilings and walls a light color. Repair cracks in the basement floor with ready-mixed concrete.

When your house is being shown

• Have your home well lit during all showings.
• Keep room draperies and shades open to let in the light – this also makes rooms appear larger.
• At night, turn on porch light and other outdoor lighting.
• Lit candles can add warmth and charm.
• Neatness counts. Rooms appear larger, cleaner and more inviting. Avoid clutter.
• If possible, leave your furniture and rugs in the house while showing.
• Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on countertops.
• Keep radio, stereo and TV off or turned down.
• Keep any toys in the children’s’ rooms. Bikes, wagons and skateboards should be made as inconspicuous as possible. If children are present, have them keep noise levels to a minimum.
• Make a special plan for a family outing the day your Open House is scheduled. It is always preferable for a prospective buyer to view a home with only the sales agent present – this applies to scheduled showings of your home thereafter.
• If possible, take pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
• In winter, walkways should be cleared of snow and ice.
• And lastly, let me do my job. Experience reveals that prospective buyers are less likely to focus their attention on the purchase if distracted by an owner attempting, in some way, to sell their own home.