From experience, Realtors know that first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home the edge over other homes buyers are considering. Simple improvements can make your home stand out from the rest, resulting in a faster sale and higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, buyers have an assurance that what they can't see has been maintained too.
Curb appeal You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
Before, putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary to maximize its exterior appeal. Tips to enhance your homes exterior and curb appeal:
- Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
- In season, plant colorful annuals near front walkway and entrance.
- Trim hedges, freshen up flowerbeds with new mulch, and prune trees.
- Clean doors and windows, for a shine apply wood oil to wooden entry door.
- Use touch up paint on weathered areas.
- Remove kids toys, RVs, boats, and old cars from the street and front driveway.
Home buying is more than just finding a house with a specific number of bedrooms and baths. Buying a home requires an intangible emotional connection with a home. So when preparing your for sale ask yourself, how will my house make someone feel. Is it cluttered and chaotic? Do the rooms feel small and dark? You may need to simply remove a few pieces of furniture and open the blinds, to dramatically change the atmosphere of your home.
Follow these tips for creating the environment that appeals to buyers:
- Clean every room in your home. Particularly the kitchen and baths. Really scrub these areas as buyers are especially sensitive about these private spaces.
- Remove the clutter and furniture that makes your rooms feel crowded. If needed, rent a small storage facility while your home is on the market.
- Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market.
- Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
- If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
- It may sound expensive but if your carpet is old and soiled, have it replaced. This will really improve your ability to sell quickly at top market value.
- Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
- Repair dripping faucets and showerheads. Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.
- Replace burned out light bulbs and open the blinds. Use soft smelling room fresheners, strong scents will turn many buyers off.
Following these simple recommendations will help your home make a favorable impression on the buyers, making your home sell faster, and for the highest price possible.
