Tips For The Best Home Showings
The need to keep the house clean - and not scare potential home buyers away - means that kids can't throw their school books on the dining room table, Dad has to pick up his stinky socks, and even the pets need to toe the line.
Keeping the house clean is a good first step, but it isn't the only step.
1. Odors
Have you ever walked into a home and been immediately assaulted by nasty odors? Cigarettes, grease, cooking odors, diapers and pets all leave their mark on the way a home smells.
- Have carpets, curtains & upholstery professionally cleaned.
- Clean the grease from the range hood.
- Keep the dog bathed and groomed.
- Place potpourri or candles in random areas in home.
2. Sounds
We become habituated to certain things, including sounds. If you've ever lived near railroad tracks, you understand. A few tips to avoid strangers in your home hearing the yappy dog next door.
- Play music, softly.
- Play a sound-effects CD softly in the background.
3. Sights
- Light and bright are the deal way to present your home to buyers.
- Change all light bulbs to higher wattage bulbs & leave on for showings.
- Paint OR clean the walls.
- Replace heavy drapes with lightweight fabric that allows natural light into the home.
- Make sure that the lawn is mowed.
4. Set the Scene
- If you're on a tight budget and can't afford a professional designer, make some simple changes that appeal to buyers.
- Set the dining room table with attractive dinnerware or create a cozy nook in the bedroom with a small table and chairs.
- Group items in threes, use different heights, and keep it simple.
- Fresh flowers add so much to a home, from masking odors to adding pops of color and texture.
- Bathrooms are important. Get rid of the countertop clutter and add fluffy towels and a new shower curtain.
5. Security
- Lock up or remove valuables, weapons, prescription drugs and money.
- Don't leave personal items - especially paperwork with your financial information - lying around in plain sight.
Here's a few extra tips to clean up your exterior.
1. Power wash the exterior siding. Fix peeling or cracking paint.
2. Clean out your gutters and roof. If rusting or bent, have them replaced.
3. Wash all of your windows both outside and inside.
4. Remove any dead vegetation & sweep walkways.
5. Keep lawn mowed. Edge sidewalks.
6. Remove weeds or grass.
7. Trim trees and bushes. Ensure branches are not touching your roof or too close to power lines.
8. Keep lawn and gardening equipment, bikes or other children's toys stowed away and out of sight.
9. Keep garbage and recycling barrels in the garage or otherwise out of sight.
10. Repair any broken fencing or any other areas in clear disrepair.
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