Preparing Your Condominium for Sale

How First Impressions COUNT

As you’re getting ready to put your condominium on the market, take a couple of steps back and try to see it from the perspective of a potential buyer. (If this is difficult, snap some photos and look at the results.)

Before the sign goes up and before brokers or buyers come over, de-clutter, scrub, polish, straighten and brighten up the property, beginning at the front door. And remember: buyers and agents will continue to view your condo over the coming weeks – even if you accept an offer immediately – so take the time to keep things neat every day or two until you move!

If your condominium will be vacant during showings, your real estate agent may recommend using an interior designer to “stage” some rooms to make them more appealing.

It’s what’s up front…

The first thing a visitor sees is the entry to your home. Whether this is the lobby, the elevator, or the door of your condominium, the entry should be tidy, swept and uncluttered. Replace the welcome mat if it’s worn or stained. If boots, dogs, or house keys have scratched the front door, give it a fresh coat of paint. Polish metal fixtures. Make sure all entry lights are working and remove any trip hazards. A flowering plant set near the front door, especially in winter, creates an inviting approach.

Also make sure your garage space, carport, and any other storage areas are swept clean and very neat and well-organized. Remove as much clutter as possible from these areas.

Check the details…

While your Homeowners Association is probably responsible for maintaining the exterior of the building, look around to make sure outside areas of your unit, such as patios, decks and balconies, look fresh and well-maintained. Attend to peeling paint on handrails, secure dangling gutters and downspouts, clean windows and screens, and give squeaking hinges a squirt of lubricant while you’re at it.

Come on in…

The entry to your condominium gets more traffic than any other area. Check it carefully for scuffed floors, smudged walls and doors and corners cluttered with umbrellas and shoes. If you have an area rug in the entry, make sure it is clean and secured to the floor so that visitors won’t trip as they enter or leave. Put brighter bulbs into entry light fixtures.

Don’t forget the hall closet! Potential buyers are likely to open every door in your condo, including closets. Even if you have to rent temporary storage, completely clear off the floor of the closet, limit the shelf to a few items and remove excess coats so that there’s plenty of space between items on hangers.

Bright and beautiful…

The main rooms of your condo should feel bright, spacious and welcoming. Give walls and trim a fresh coat of paint in a light neutral color and repair or replace damaged wallpaper. (Although intense-color accent walls are very fashionable, some buyers may be distressed to discover that your colors are incompatible with their upholstery, linens and dishes.)
No matter how much you love your furniture and knick-knacks, remove as much as you possibly can, and be sure to put away anything valuable. An uncluttered room appears more spacious, so get rid of all but the essentials.

Clean switch plates, door jambs and window sills. Clear cobwebs out of corners. Make sure that all light switches operate properly. Remove “cord clutter” at electrical outlets. Polish floors and woodwork until they gleam. Shampoo carpeting.

Make sure that bedroom closets are neat and not over-crowded. All clothing and personal items should be put away.

And this is the kitchen…

No matter how beautiful and tidy the rest of your condominium, a poorly-maintained kitchen can be a deal-breaker. As with other rooms, walls, trim, cabinets and floor (especially along baseboards) should be immaculate. Appliances should be working properly and spotless and gleaming (including ovens, burners and range hoods). All drawers should open and close properly and be neatly arranged inside. The refrigerator should be cleaned inside and out and old or excess food removed. Replace burned-out light bulbs. Pay extra attention to de-smudging stove and dishwasher controls. Polish sinks and remove stains. Storage shelves and pantry should be tidy and free of any traces of food stains. If you have hanging pots and pans, make sure they are polished. Put away small appliances and other items that normally sit on countertops. Freshen the garbage disposal by grinding up some lemon peel. Make sure laundry appliances are clean and laundry area is clear of clothing and clutter. And don’t forget to clean up that catch-all zone under the sink!

And the bathrooms…

Scrub, scrub, scrub. Repair damaged tile and missing or stained grout. Tile, tub, sinks, mirrors and toilet must be spotless. Curtains and towels should be freshly laundered. Empty and clean the medicine cabinet (lock up any prescription medications), drawers and wastebaskets.

What’s that smell?

You may enjoy, or not be aware of, the odors in your home, but they can be distressing – or even dangerous – to potential buyers who may be sensitive or allergic. As soon as you decide to sell, make a concerted effort to eliminate odors from your home. That includes strong cooking odors; pet dishes, beds and boxes; cigarette and other smoking odors; perfume; incense; and scented household cleaners. Even so-called “air fresheners” and “room deodorizers” may contribute to the problem! Once or twice a week, open windows and allow fresh air to circulate through rooms, including closets and other enclosed spaces.

Right before each showing…

Wipe and dust surfaces. Empty wastebaskets. Vacuum up spills. Put pets into a secure outdoor area along with food or water dishes, cat boxes and pet toys. Brighten dark corners with fresh flowers or potted plants. Open curtains and turn on lights throughout the house. Turn off televisions and music. Pick up any papers, dishes, keys and other personal items. Leave the property and let your real estate agent show it to its full advantage.

For other suggestions on preparing your condominium for sale, or to talk about the marketing of your property, contact us today at Selling@LACondoLifestyles.com or 310-278-6033!