What you can do yourself to enhance the presentation ...
When a Realtor takes out a buyer they will often show five to ten homes on an outing. Each home will be in different stages of presentation and serve up a different curbside look. In fact, the majority of homes will not "show well!"
There may be carpet stains or stains in the ceiling from an old roof leak. Often times there are strong odors in a house from animals or smokers. The color combinations may be too strong for most people's taste. The landscaping might be overgrown or the pool in need of a good cleaning. But, the good news is that these are the kind of cosmetic problems you can fix yourself. And by eliminating the negatives and accentuating the positives you will sell your home quicker and get a better price.
Once you place your house on the market it becomes a "product." You want to give it the best showroom quality you can on your budget. Put a pad of paper on a clipboard and start from the outside and work your way through every room in the house. You need to do this not as the "homeowner" but as a seller who's objective is to attract the most qualified buyer with the best price and terms giving you the advantage. Disconnect your emotions. Be honest with your assessment and, while you may go forward with signing a listing contract so the Realtor can begin to pre-sell and prepare the marketing plan, your property won't be uploaded to the MLS until you have dressed up your home to the best of your abilities. Discuss this plan with your Realtor.
A Note about Curb Appeal
When an agent drives into a neighborhood with their buyer there may more than one house for sale and if your neighbor's house is in a similar price range you have direct competition. This is when "curb appeal" becomes so important. An appropriate analogy is you wouldn't go to a car dealership to trade in your vehicle and not have it detailed looking spiffy and shinning bright. It is the same with the "curb appeal" of your home. From the mailbox to the driveway to the lawn to the roof to the outside paint right down to whether or not the front porch is swept will have an impact on the buyer. First impressions do count so make your "curb appeal" the best in the neighborhood. It will communicate a positive impression about the house overall.
Eliminate Clutter
You will enhance the selling of your home by making an honest effort to get rid of the excess stuff that you can live without. Have a garage sale or call a local charity to make a donation of clothes, small furniture, kitchen items, etc. Areas that need special attention:
- The garage - clean it out so the buyer can visualize their vehicle in it
- Closets should look organized and appealing
- Bedrooms need to have beds made and look spacious
- Countertops and tables should have a minimum amount of personal effects
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