Your house could sell faster and at a higher price if it shows well! Potential buyers will get the best impression if your house is clean, light, airy, uncluttered, neat & in good shape-after all, the first impression is usually the only impression.
Most of us think our homes are in fine shape, but you need to really see it f
rom a buyers' point of view, so here are some things you can do to spruce it up and get the edge up on the competition. It can mean the difference between a potential sale or a sale on the one down the street. I have seen cases where the buyer purchases a house that is in excellent shape, uncluttered, clean and looked well cared for rather than a newer home that was even a little larger. It just showed well and was taken such good care of!
Here are a few initial steps:
Clean everything. Cleanliness signals to a buyer that this home has been well cared for and in good repair. A messy or dirty home signals buyers to wonder how well cared for it is, even if it is an "off day". Clean windows, clean the tub and shower surrounds and caulk if needed! Clean the pool even in the winter, keep it sparkling clean. Don't forget the ceiling fans!
Unclutter your home. Clean out closets, have a garage sale, box up all those photos on the walls, throw away old magazines. Remove some furniture if you have too much or it is massive. Rearrange the furniture so that the rooms are spacious and you have an easy flow.
Look for anything that is broken and fix it. Fix plumbing issues, windows, cabinet drawers, screens, electrical switches to name a few. Some of these things may seem trivial to you, but to the home buyer, they are added work and the house they just looked at down the street was the same price and it didn't have these problems. With these needed repairs, the home buyer might offer much less than you are asking.
Paint. Paint is cheap and quick. Nothing improves the value of a home for a lower cost than a fresh coat of paint. Stick with neutral colors, like a taupe, off white or soft beige. I suggest stay away from stark white. I will tell you why at a later time.
Open the window and let fresh air in. Odors are a turn off-- Get rid of odors that may be unpleasant. People are offended by cooking odors, smoke & pet odors, so clean carpets in that case! Some positive and calming aromas are fresh flowers, potpourri, vanilla and cinnamon, especially in the winter. I have known people to bake a batch of cookies on the weekend and that is a wonderful welcoming aroma.
Keep the noise down. Play some soft music (easy listening) not hard rock or country. We don't want anything that will make the buyer want to leave.
Curb appeal. This is certainly not last on my list as it is the first impression of your house. Trim trees, shrubs, mulch the beds and plant some flowers. Make sure your porch lights have bulbs and add accent lighting if the budget allows.
Make sure the temperature is comfortable while showing. The potential home buyer is feeling this house and wants to see if he is comfortable in it.
If I can be of any assistance or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me or email me.
Candy Henthorne
Results Realty
Email Candy
281-413-3076
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