I just wrote this article today for the B.C. Real Estate Convention e-newsletter. We will be exhibiting in this show, and thought I would share these quick tips. I created the photos using Picnik, after taking Jackson West's webinar (see his latest Blog). Enjoy!
TOP 5 TIPS TO READY YOUR HOME FOR SALE
Did you know that 90% of buyers view a listing of a home for sale on the internet before they even decide to visit the home in person?
Once a byers enters a home, they form an opinion of that home within the first 8 seconds.
Great first impressions are crucial when selling your home. How does your home stack up next to the competition? How do your mls photos look, compared to other listings on the internet?
Do you remember the feeling you had when you first walked into a boutique hotel room? The room was ultra clean, clutter-free and the decor was tasteful and inviting. This is how you want buyers to feel when viewing your home for the first time.
Here are some strategies to consider when preparing your home for sale:
1) DECLUTTER
Let's face it. We all have too much stuff. Items we've collected over the years tend to pile up. All this clutter gobbles up precious space. When selling your house, buyers are most often concerned whether or not the home is big enough, and spacious enough. Pack up excess items in moving boxes, and store them off-site, either at a storage facility, or a friend's home. You will need to pack up when you move anyway, so why not get a head start?
2) DEPERSONALIZE
Remove all personal photographs. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home. It's difficult to do that when faced with the home owner's family photographs. This is a constant reminder that this home belongs to someone else.
3) CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
A home needs to be presented in the best light possible, and it is crucial that the home is Q-tip clean. Not just a light dust, but a deep clean. Don't forget to clean grout around the bathtub, fingerprints on doors, wash windows to let maximum light in - the list goes on. Clean, and then when you're done, clean again!
4) DEODERIZE
Every house has a particular odour. The best smell is a fresh, clean smell. Get a friend or neighbour to come into your house and give you an honest opinion as to how the home smells. If there are pets in the house, there could be a "wet dog" small that you are unaware of. Remove anything that may be causing these smells, then open up all the windows and air out the property. Refrain from frying fish the night before an open house! Don't use air fresheners or bake cookies. Buyers aren't fooled that easily anymore. A fresh, clean smell will do the trick.
5) HOME REPAIRS
Make sure everything is in good, working order. A dripping faucet will send buyers the message that this home is not well cared for. A stained ceiling may have buyers thinking there will be major repair costs involved in the future. Ensure all light bulbs are working.
These five suggestions will get you well on the way to presenting your home in the best possible light. You wouldn't dream of selling your car without having it detailed. Similarly, you should not sell your home until you have it looking the best it can possibly be.
Hiring Exit Stage Right to stage your home, will take your home from ho-hum to exciting. Home stagers know how to "merchandise" your home. This creates visual interest and sets your home apart from the competition.
Sally Weatherley, Owner, EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, B.C.
www.exitstageright.ca 604-838-9431
Comments(18)