In part one of this series, we learned the importance of curb appeal and what to look for when evaluating the exterior of a home. If you followed our advice, you have attracted buyers to look inside the house. Congratulations! Is what the see compelling enough to cause them to venture forth or send them running back to the car?
When considering the condition of the interior of a house, remember first impressions are key. Stand at the front door and use all of your sense to experience the home's entry as a stranger would.
What is that smell? We've all been in homes where you have to catch our breath from the assault of unpleasant odors. If you have grown accustomed to your home's particular odors, grab your neighbor and get her opinion.
When it comes to odors in a home, thebiggest culprits are kids and pets. They both have accidents and if not cleaned immediately, the site becomes a source of odors. To rid the house of the smell, consider the following:
- Professionally clean and deoderize the carpets (this may need to be done twice)
- Open all the windows to ventilate the home
- Clean the cat's litterbox regularly
- Clean the exhaust hood over the stove. Nasty odors tend to cling to greasy places.
- Odors also cling to fabrics; launder all window coverings, rugs, and bedding
Avoid using commercial room deoderizers. Although you may find a particular scent heavenly, it may been offensive to a potential buyer. Fresh flowers help add a delicate scent and brighten up a room. Also place small bowls of baking soda out of sight to help absorb odors.
What's that sound? Stand in your entryway and listen. Are there distracting sounds? does the neighbor's yapping dog seem to be the most prominent sound? consider playing soft jazz or classical music during showings.
Sights: What do you see when you step in the front door? If it is piles of toys or laundry, you have some work to do! If it is too dark to see anything, consider purchasing new lighting or open all the blinds during a showing.
Ensure that when a buyer walks through the front door, her senses aren't assaulted. Now you are one step closer to a buyer who falls in love with the house!
In part 3, we will take a look at decluttering to make the house appear larger, less personal, and more enticing to a wide range of buyers.
Sell Your Home At or Above Market Value, Within a Timeframe that Is Acceptable to You!
Click here to find your Current House Value, Today!
For all your real estate needs, contact Sheri Jones today!
sherijones2012@gmail.com 909-660-1838
PropertiesBySheri.com
#PreparingtheHousefortheMarket-Interior #RealEstate #HomesBysheri
Comments(2)