1. Remove Clutter. Time to throw away any old newspapers and magazines. Box up any belongings that are not needed. Pack up any clothing that is not needed so that closets appear larger. Remove any belonging from the garage. Allow your potential buyers the opportunity to visualize their belongings in the oceanfront home.
2. Wash your windows and screens. Washing the windows will allow more light into the home and will allow buyers to see the beautiful view. Plus, dirty windows are a turn off.
3. Time to give your ocean home a good spring cleaning. Clean the floors and shampoo the carpet. Wipe off any dirt or fingerprints from door knobs, and light switch plates. Wipe down the cabinets and counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. Give your appliances a through cleaning. Help your oceanfront home make a good first impression.
4. Make room brighter by replacing blown and dim light bulbs to make rooms brighter. Before buyers arrive, turn on the lights and open the curtains to let as much light as possible in.
5. Make any repairs that you can find. Minor repairs like door adjustments, torn or missing window screens, caulk on exterior doors and windows and interior counter tops and tubs, broken or missing electrical cover plates, and dripping faucets will make a good first impression. Don’t know what to repair, why not get a sellers home inspection. This will show you what the buyers home inspector would see and give you the opportunity to repair the items before the buyers knows they were ever an issue. You can also market the ocean home as being pre-inspected.
6. Get the most out of your curb appeal. Mow the lawn, trim the shrubbery, rake straw and leaves, and edge the driveway and walks. Plant some bright colored seasonal flowers and place some potted plants near the entry to brighten up the landscape.
7. Repair cracks and holes that exist in the driveway. Once repaired apply a sealant for added protection.
8. Clean dirty gutters.
9. Change the front door hardware and house numbers.
10. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. If carpets are old and need replacing, it is worth while to replace them. The additional price you receive for your house will most likely outweigh the expense. Open the windows to air out the home.
Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA, an online marketing service that provides Oceanfront Homes and Oceanfront Homes For Sale available in the US and Canada.