It’s a tough market out there! How do you compete to sell you house quickly and for best price?
Do yourself one of the biggest favors and make the investment in making sure your house is at its most desirable for buyers. You only have a short amount of time to WOW them, so make the most of what your home has to offer. Believe me, your investment will pay off in the end!
The key to dressing your house for selling success is to create that feeling for the buyer of ”have to have it!” Downplay your home’s weaknesses (every home has some!) and play UP its strengths to make it universally appealing.
Make Sure Your House is Spotlessly Clean and Make all Repairs
If you don’t have the time or skill to make your house spotless, consider hiring a cleaning company to give it a thorough once-over. You can then keep it up from there. Keeping those mirrors and faucets streak-free and those sinks shiny will go a long way to making your house attractive to buyers.
Make sure all pet odors are GONE!
Take the time (and spend the money if necessary to hire someone) to make all minor fixes. Buyers want to see a meticulously maintained home and making these minor repairs will make your home all that more appealing.
Set the Tone From the Front Door!
Nothing sets the tone more than the first impression of your entryway.
Give your front door and the trim a coat of fresh, glossy paint in a warm and welcoming color. Consider buying new hardware. If your old hardware is still attractive, make sure to make it shine. Take the time to shine up the house numbers, mail box and repair any screens or wash the storm door as well.
Throw out that old, tired mat and invest in a new, fresh one. Buyers pay attention to the details!
Placing a potted or hanging plant is always welcoming and adds curb appeal for pennies.
Clear the Clutter!
Everything in a home takes up visual space. You want buyers to see you home as THEIRS, not focus on your style. Depersonalize as much as possible, get rid of those stacks of papers, toys stashed in corners, bottles of lotions on the bathroom counters. When in doubt (yes, you’ve heard it before!), use the “less is more” approach.
Don’t use the basement or your closets as stash points for the stuff you’ve cleared out. Buyers will look in your closets and cupboards so make those organized, too.
Pare Down the Furniture
Your big, overstuffed couch might be the most comfortable place to lounge, but if it’s too big for the room, consider storing it during the time your home is on the market and swapping it for other, smaller furniture you have around your house. You want buyers to see your house as big, not cramped.
Paint
Don’t be afraid of color in a room. Fresh paint is always a great idea. But keep the focus on the room, not the paint. Make sure if you’re painting, you make it neat and as professionally done as possible. Buyers will notice!
Lighting
One of the easiest ways to create a bright room is with proper lighting. Make sure you have enough wattage and at least three points of light in each room. Consider inexpensive “up” lights in corners or behind potted plants. A great way to create light and drama. Placing lamps in front of mirrors will create more light as well.
Remember, this small investment of time and maybe a little money, will pay off for you when it comes to how buyers view your home!
