THE PURCHASE OF A HOME IS A VERY EMOTIONAL PROCESS AND, THROUGH ALL MY YEARS IN REAL ESTATE, I HAVE SEEN THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN! THAT’S WHY YOU WANT TO APPEAL TO THE EMOTIONS OF POTENTIAL BUYERS AND MAKE THEM FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY.
First Impressions
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcomes prospects. So does a freshly painted – or at least freshly scrubbed – front door. In the fall, rake the leaves. In the winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer the obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
De-clutter
Take away any piece of furniture or object that you are not using on a regular basis. You’ll notice how suddenly that living room looks much bigger!
Depersonalize
Take away photos, trophies, medication, anything that will stop the buyer from feeling at home! Instead, add some candles, a bowl of fruit, a bouquet of fresh flowers… these are guaranteed winners.
Let there be light
When expecting a visit, open all the curtains, if it’s daytime and turn on all the lights! It’s amazing how the look of a room changes once that switch is turned on.
Faucets, light bulbs and sticky doors
Dripping water rattles nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned-out light bulbs leave buyers in the dark. Don’t let little problems distract buyers from what’s right with your home. If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a buyer’s mind. Don’t try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs, and low-hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.
Bathrooms and bedrooms
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains. Wake up prospects to the cozy comfort of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
Closets
The better organized a closet is, the larger it appears. Now is the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
No crowd
Potential buyers often feel like intrudes when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they’re likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.
Watch the pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you’re showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting in the way. So, do everybody a favor: keep four legged friends outside, or at least out of the way.