Ways to make a house more attractive in a buyers market

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.  There is a big difference between a home that is clean while being lived in, and a home that is ready to show.  Homes that are spotless inside and out consistently show more and get better offers than home that are not.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior as well as making the rest of the home feel cleaner.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.  I just had a client that rented a buffer and cleaned every floor and solid surface in the house.  It looks great in there! 

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.  Some people like to bake cookies or light a fragrant candle when they know their house is being show.  The key is not to over do it and offend the noses of your prospective buyers.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replacing any burnt out bulbs is a must. 

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, cracks or holes in the wall, or a dripping faucet may seem small, but they'll give buyers the impression that the house isn't well maintained.

7. Tidy up your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.  This immediately gives your home more curb appeal.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.  Make sure your driveway, decks, and patios are free of debris.

9. Clean out your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers and make sure your mailbox is clean.

I hope this helps you sell your client's homes more quickly, with less hassle, and at a higher price.  Until next time.