Did you know that within 15 seconds a buyer has already developed an opinion of your property? That’s why establishing the right first impression is critical to achieving a successful sale.
Here are some tips that can drastically improve your chances of selling your home:
1. Spend the money to hire a cleaning crew
You can usually find a cleaning crew to thoroughly clean and scrub your home for $200 or less. This small investment could add thousands to your home.
2. Fix everything
Repair that light switch that doesn’t work, fix the door that won’t close, tighten that leaky faucet, oil that squeaky cabinet, repair the crack in the mirror. Remember, you are competing with lots of other homes today. When buyers go through your home, they are trying to gauge the value of your home by the condition and upkeep. You’d be amazed how a few minor problems can completely turn a buyer off to your home.
3. Clean and organize your closets
Full, messy closets make your closets look smaller and give the appearance of inadequate storage space. Spend the time to get them organized.
4. Clean and stretch your carpet
You can either hire a professional company to clean your carpet or you can do it yourself. If your carpet is bunching up, get it re-tacked. A carpet that looks like it needs to be replaced may only need a cleaning and stretching.
5. Get rid of those smells
A home can make or break itself in the first second someone walks inside. If you have pets, make sure you keep their food and cat-boxes away from potential buyers. If you smoke, try to do it outside, especially if you’re expecting potential buyers to stop by. Give your home plenty of time to air out before showings.
6. Get rid of your clutter
The last thing you want prospective buyers to feel when viewing your home is that they may be intruding into someone’s life. Avoid clutter such as too many knick-knacks, etc. Decorate in neutral colors, like white or beige and place a few carefully chosen items to add warmth and character. You can enhance the attractiveness of your home with a well-placed vase of flowers or potpourri in the bathroom. Home-décor magazines are great for tips.
7. Plant flowers
Add a little color to the outside of your home. Buyers love a yard that looks well kept and colorful. Spend a few hours planting colorful flowers. Flowers can be especially effective in the entry-way of a home. Remember, you want to create the best first impression that you can.
8. Fix the roof
The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front. A well-maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property.
● Replace any broken or missing shingles or tiles.
● Repair flashing where needed.
● Paint eaves and fascia boards
● If the roof is old and needs to be replaced consider having the work done before showing the property
9. Check your ceiling
Quite often, sellers will leave stains on the ceiling from an old leak that’s been repaired. This is a definite red flag to potential buyers. Even if the leak has been repaired, buyers will still be very concerned about the condition of your home if there are stains on the ceiling.
By showing attention to detail and understanding the buyer’s need to visualize your house against a neutral backdrop, you can dramatically increase the saleability of your property.
