Selling your property quickly for the best possible price is your goal, right? This is the goal of most sellers, and it’s the purpose of your real estate representative, as well. To help you achieve your goal here are 8 more quick fixes to make a great first impression when selling your home.
- Follow The 50% Rule On Surface Spaces. Examine every flat surface in your home and remove at least half of the objects. This includes countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as workstations, bookshelves, and wardrobes. If you use a blender, toaster, coffeemaker or other kitchen equipment on a regular basis, keep them hidden in cupboards for now and bring them out only when needed.
- Clean Up 50% Of Your Indoor Spaces. It makes it more difficult to impress potential homebuyers when your clothing and other belongings fall to the floor when your closet or cupboards are opened. A crowded closet signals to a potential buyer that you don’t have enough storage space. So bring out the packing boxes and act like you’re moving next week, and simplify every inch of your home. The buyer must be certain that there is sufficient space for their belongings.
- Remove Personal Items. Set up your home and space so when a potential buyer walks through your front door they can picture themselves making it their home. This will not happen if the refrigerator door is painted with little Picasso drawings or the walls are filled with family photos. Add these items to your immediate packing list so buyers see a blank canvas where they easily visualize adding their own particular touches.
- Brighten Up Your Home. On a cloudy and dark day, walk through your house. Is it bright, pleasant, and inviting? Brighten any dark living spaces with added lighting and replace any burned-out bulbs, preferably ones with natural lighting. Check your porch lights and outdoor lighting, as well.
- Renovate To Add Value. Realtors and builders alike will advise you that investing in your kitchen and bathrooms will give you the best return on your investment. So use whatever money you have to give those rooms in your home a pre-sale facelift. A couple of coatings of semi-gloss enamel paint in one of today’s popular hues is a smart place to start if your bathroom vanities look shabby or old. Another easy fix is adding new drawer pulls to kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Consider replacing brushed nickel or bronze faucets. The kitchen will have a huge “wow” factor with new stainless steel hardware and appliances.
- Increase Your ROI By Painting. According to HomeGain, a top DIY home improvements seller survey, painting the interior yields a 107 percent return on investment (ROI) while painting the outside yields a 55 percent ROI.As part of your facelift plan, painting the interior walls is a great investment. White ceilings make rooms appear larger yet stark white walls can come across as cold. Instead of using white paint on your walls choose warm neutrals like pale yellow, rosy beige, or taupe. Even if your home is modern, you still want it to have a feeling of warmth and coziness.
- Check And Fix Any Hidden Problems. Stay aware and make a list of issues to fix that may not be apparent. For example, open the storage space beneath your stairs. If it smells musty, air it out and add spray a natural, chemical-free room fragrance. Also check your home for visible signs of mold or mildew and look for evidence of termites or other pests around the baseboards and around the outside of your home. Make sure there are no plumbing leaks or dripping faucets beneath the sink. Double check that your smoke detectors are operational as well.
- Add Special Extra Touches. Appeal to ALL of the buyer’s senses when you’re ready for your first open house. Place some fresh flowers or plants on the table. (Hint: orchids are reasonably priced and last a long time.) Avoid using candles since they are a fire hazard. Instead, use essential oils with mood-enhancing smells. For example, lavender is calming while rosemary is energizing, jasmine is uplifting, and citrus aromas are light and airy. Of course, if you really want to impress, bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies and set them out on the counter. Remember, remove and clean any onion or fish smells from last night’s meal.
In typical markets, homes rarely sell on their own. Turning your home into a showpiece takes time and work on your part. Follow these 8 steps to see look of “I want this one!” on prospective buyer’s faces.
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