- You never get a second chance to make a first impression
- The “curb appeal” that your home offers a prospective buyer is
extremely important. Begin with your lawn: fertilize if necessary,
keep it neat and trim, and always remove ice and snow from
steps and sidewalks during the winter.
- Your front door is a welcoming sign to prospective buyers
- Make sure it is clean, and paint it if necessary. A seasonal
decoration, such as a wreath, adds an inviting touch.
- Wear and tear makes buyers uneasy - Minor imperfections
that we often overlook in our own homes tend to turn
prospective buyers off, because they overestimate the cost of
repairs. Faded and scraped walls, as well as any scratched
woodwork, should be restored to good condition. A little paint
and furniture polish can go a long way in increasing the appeal
of your home.
- The brighter the better - Clean windows and open draperies
highlight your walls and ceilings. By letting in natural light, you
are letting buyers see how bright and cheery your home can be.
- Avoid clutter - Buyers have a hard time looking past clutter.
By removing items that you seldom use, you let people see the
space your home has to offer. Items such as newspapers and
toys should be put away, and stairways should be clean and free
of clutter as well.
- A clean kitchen is a must - Many buyers judge housekeeping
based on the condition of the oven and the stove. Make sure
both look as shiny as possible. Clean the interior of your
dishwasher, removing stains, especially on the door. Clean
out your kitchen cabinets, packing away unnecessary items.
Countertops should be clean and free of clutter, as well.
- Sparkling bathrooms will help sell your home - All tile,
grouting and linoleum should be clean and free of soap scum.
Fixtures should be free of water marks and polished. If there is
a window in your bathroom, open it to allow a fresh breeze to
flow through.
- Make closets appear larger - By removing items that can be
packed or stored elsewhere, closets appear neat and organized,
making them seem larger and more enticing to buyers
- Don’t overlook your utility space - The attic, basement,
garage, and other utility spaces should be as neat a possible, so
remove any unnecessary items. Dull walls are easily brightened
with a fresh coat of paint. Damp, musty smells are quickly cured
by placing bags of limestone in moist places.
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- Check major repairs - Major appliance repair is something that
very few prospective buyers would look forward to. Drain a pail
of water from the heater in order to remove rust particles, and
change the filter on the furnace. Applying oil to noisy appliance
fans is a quick remedy. Be sure not to overlook cleaning the
exterior of the water heater, furnace, and other major appliances
that will be seen by prospective buyers.
- Making repairs now can mean a higher price later - Since
buyers tend to overestimate the cost of most repairs, it is
generally in your best interest to make necessary repairs
yourself rather than leave it to them. If closet doors or screen
doors are off track, or if doorknobs are loose, fix them. Dripping
faucets and cracked molding also suggest neglect to prospective
buyers. By fixing them now you should be able to get top dollar
for your house.
- Too many cooks spoils the soup - Having many people in the
house while it is being shown can be very distracting for buyers.
Try to have as few people around as possible, putting the buyer
at ease to absorb all of the advantages your property has to
offer. Most people like dogs, but they distract attention, so try to
keep your pet out of the way during showings.
- Let your broker do the talking - If a prospective buyer asks
you questions or starts a conversation about your home, be
polite, but try to avoid entering an in-depth discussion with
them. Your broker is trained to increase the buyers’ interest in
your property and easily overcome objections they might voice.
- Night showings - In order to best highlight your property,
remember to turn on porch lights and any other outside lights
for night showings. Inside, try to have the house well lit
throughout when the hour of appointment nears.
- Sell the house first - Do not attempt to sell the prospective
buyer furniture, rugs or drapes in the house, as this practice will
detract from the interest created in your home. If any property is
desired by the prospective buyer, discuss these issues with your
broker at a later date.
- Ask your Group Realtor for a copy of a video about staging
your home - It will show you how to increase your home’s
sales appeal.
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