Page 4 - TR Home Lawn Garden 2016

4SS SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016
THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
When selling a home, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of clutter in the home to make the best first impression to buyers.
BORN READY
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR PROSPECTIVE BUYERS
Selling a home can be exciting. Home- owners who made considerable finan- cial commitments when buying their
homes may be anxious, when the time comes, to get returns on their investments, but taking certain steps to prepare for the sale can make the process less nerve-rack- ing.
Buyers’ tastes often dictate their interest in a home. For example, no matter how immaculate homeowners may keep their colonials, such homes won’t appeal much to buyers looking for a traditional Cape Cod cottage-style home. But while you might not be able to change your home’s architecture to appeal to the masses, there are steps you can take to make your home more appealing to buyers whose dream home more closely resembles yours.
ADDRESS CURB APPEAL
Curb appeal goes a long way toward creating a lasting first impression, so homeowners can start by driving up to their homes and looking at them through the eyes of prospective buyers. Address the landscape if it needs some TLC, and power-wash siding if it’s appearing dirty. Examine your driveway for cracks, and consider installing a new surface if the existing one is more of an eyesore than eye-catching. Finally, clear the yard of toys and tools before placing the “For Sale” sign in the ground, as a cluttered yard will give buyers the impression that you do not prioritize keeping a clean and presentable home.
“It’s one of the cheapest ways to improve