Buying or selling a home is, indeed, one of life’s biggest decisions, and a costly one too. If you are considering selling your home there are simple ways to enhance how your home shows to potential buyers which cannot only help to sell it more quickly but can often improve the selling price.
Curb appeal is the first impression the buyer will get of your home. A well-kept, neatly landscaped property can be very inviting to the potential buyers. Trash cans should be kept out of view, the lawn should be edged and mowed. Fertilizing a few weeks prior with insure a lush, green lawn. Woodwork on the house should be free of chipping and cracking paint.
The entry way is particularly important. It should welcome guests to enter. The front door should be clean and freshly painted with polished hardware. Place a planter of fresh flowers on the front porch. Color is pleasing.
The inside of your home should have an open, airy feeling to generate comfort and welcome potential buyers in. Drapes, curtains and blinds should be opened to allow plenty of light to come in. Turn on all of the light in every room, especially at night.
Repair all of the small things; minor repairs are a major plus. Fix loose doorknobs and cupboard hinges, dripping faucets, stained sinks, loose or missing caulking, sticky doors and windows and damaged or missing screens. Don’t let small repairs scare away a potential sale.
The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it appear larger by clearing away the clutter from the countertops. Give the impression of more countertops space by putting away all of the appliance that are usually kept out. Avoid dirty dishes in the sink. Keep the kitchen spotless! Eliminate bad odors, do not cook heavily aromatics meals just before a buyer is to view your home.
Have bathrooms that sparkle! Remove stains from the sink, toilets and tubs, including hard water spots on shower doors. Hang fresh towel and have potpourri or candles for a fresh scent.
Closets and pantry should be kept orderly and as empty as possible. A neat, well-organized closet or pantry appears larger than one that is fully stocked or that is overflowing with clothes, toys and shoes. Have a garage sale before listing your home to make sure storage areas are uncluttered and spacious.
De-personalize your home by removing family photos, vacation souvenirs and personal items. Try to make your home appeal to the broadest spectrum of buyers. You want the buyers to be able to imagine their family living there.
Stimulate the buyers’ imagination by setting scenes throughout the house, called staging. Setup a chess game in the corner of the family room. Set the dining room table with fine china and colorful flowers. Set a tray with a teapot, teacups and the morning paper on a freshly made bed. Play soft music, burn candles or light the fireplace to create a warm and inviting home.
Remember, you are trying to make your home appeal to the broadest spectrum of buyers. Anything you do to accomplish this will make you home sell faster, at a higher price, than other homes on the market.
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