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Prepare Your Home for Sale
Within 15 seconds a potential homebuyer has made a first impression about your home.
Because this impression is formed so quickly it is important that, as a seller, you do your best to optimize your home's appearance to insure that your property is sold quickly and at an attractive price. Following are elements that work to create an overall first impression about your home.
- CURB APPEAL
- Your home's appeal starts from the street to doorstep.
- Neatly trimmed shrubs and lawn are essential to the look of a well-maintained home.
- Free the street from litter or debris.
- Check your sidewalk and front walkway; does it need sweeping or weeds removed between
cracks.
- Your fence should be freshly painted and gate should open and close easily.
- Check to make sure that your outdoor light fixtures are not rusted or worn.
- As buyers are waiting to enter the home they will notice a freshly painted and clean
front door.
- One of the most important elements of your home is a well-maintained roof.
Any missing tiles or shingles should be replaced and flashing should be repaired.
Buyers will also see the condition or your gutters and downspouts.
- A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best investments you can make, however, if
you do not want to spend the money to paint the entire house, consider painting just
the shutters or perform other light touch-ups to your home.
- APPEAL TO THE SENSES
- People react more favorably to property shown under bright light than dark.
- It is best to keep colors neutral and light to appeal to most eyes.
- Peace and quiet is an important element to homebuyers.
- Work to avoid having noisy children or barking dogs disturbing those viewing your home.
- Consider light classical music turned down low to create a pleasing atmosphere.
- The smell of cleanliness is also important to the selling environment of your home.
- Fresh flowers can be effective and appealing to the eye as well as to the sense of
smell.
- Smells to avoid are pet odors, tobacco, cooking smells or gasoline.
- ADD HOUSEWARMING APPEAL
- View your home through the eyes of a stranger.
- Clean and complete minor repairs in the home and around the property.
- Pay special attention to floors and carpets, making sure they are sparkling clean and
in good repair.
- Windows should be clean, draperies or shades should be firmly affixed and in working order.
- Discard any unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use frequently.
- Keep your closets tidy!
- Arrange furniture to create a spacious stmosphere.
- Make the beds, arrange pillows and cushions neatly and make sure that hard surfaces
are dust free.
- In your kitchen: clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary clutter. Add a
clean scent by grinding 1/2 a lemon in your garbage disposal or by baking cookies
just before showings.
It is important to realize that buyers will not just purchase based on the look of your home but also the emotions that it evokes. With close attention paid to details your home will show in its very best light and create a positive first impression!
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