Youve decided its the right time to move. You love your home, but maybe youve outgrown it. Perhaps you got a new job. Whatever the reason, you have to sell it. You know its potential and how wonderful it is, but the trick is getting others to see that. And, if you are like me, you immediately think of all the negative aspects of your home. You focus on the small repairs you just never got around to. Or you worry it doesnt compare to other houses in the neighborhood. Well, dont stress. There is the right buyer out there. You might just have to help them realize theyve found just what they are looking for.
Here are seven ways to help buyers fall in love with your home:
These first four should be done as soon as you list your home.
Get to those honey-dos
They arent that big of a deal, so youve put them off. But it's time to get them done. Most buyers come into a home expecting to hate it. Dont give them a reason to find fault. Paint the trim around the garage side door. Pull the weeds out of the window wells. It wont take much time, and it will be worth it.
De-clutter
I dont just mean finally getting around to removing that huge stack of mail on the counter. Definitely do that, but you should also minimize the amount of decorations and items hanging around your home. Remove a few pieces off the mantel. Clear off the crowded bookshelf in the office. Take down those precious finger-paintings from the fridge. Minimizing is key!
Put away personal items
Make sure your toothbrush, hair gel and feminine hygiene items are off the bathroom counters. Dont leave out your basket of undergarments in the closet. Anything you can see that is of personal use, store away for the time being.
Remove family photos
I never took much heed to this advice until I went and started looking at homes to buy. I realized the homes without the personal family pictures where always the ones my husband and I talked about later. For whatever reason, it makes a difference. Maybe its easier to visualize yourself living there when it doesnt feel already spoken for.
The next three steps are good to do right before a showing.
Leave all lights on
When you leave your home for a showing, leave every single light on. It brightens up the room immediately and allows the potential buyer to envision life in the home. Even if it is in the middle of the day, flip those lights on.
Make sure the scent is inviting
You might not think your house has a smell, but ask your loved ones. It does! Youve just grown used to it. Its not a horrible smell (hopefully!), but just a smell. Give viewers something new to smell. Turn on your scented wax warmer. Spray your favorite room air freshener. But dont overdo it. Make it subtle, but do it!
Vacuum
Nothing looks nicer or feels better than freshly vacuumed, fluffy carpet. Carpet can be a deal-breaker for some, so make it look nice. Hopefully youve had the carpets cleaned beforehand so all you will need to do is run the vacuum over them.
It is stressful trying to sell your home. With any luck these simple steps will aid you along the way and get buyers to see just how great your house really is. Good luck!
Here are seven ways to help buyers fall in love with your home:
These first four should be done as soon as you list your home.
Get to those honey-dos
They arent that big of a deal, so youve put them off. But it's time to get them done. Most buyers come into a home expecting to hate it. Dont give them a reason to find fault. Paint the trim around the garage side door. Pull the weeds out of the window wells. It wont take much time, and it will be worth it.
De-clutter
I dont just mean finally getting around to removing that huge stack of mail on the counter. Definitely do that, but you should also minimize the amount of decorations and items hanging around your home. Remove a few pieces off the mantel. Clear off the crowded bookshelf in the office. Take down those precious finger-paintings from the fridge. Minimizing is key!
Put away personal items
Make sure your toothbrush, hair gel and feminine hygiene items are off the bathroom counters. Dont leave out your basket of undergarments in the closet. Anything you can see that is of personal use, store away for the time being.
Remove family photos
I never took much heed to this advice until I went and started looking at homes to buy. I realized the homes without the personal family pictures where always the ones my husband and I talked about later. For whatever reason, it makes a difference. Maybe its easier to visualize yourself living there when it doesnt feel already spoken for.
The next three steps are good to do right before a showing.
Leave all lights on
When you leave your home for a showing, leave every single light on. It brightens up the room immediately and allows the potential buyer to envision life in the home. Even if it is in the middle of the day, flip those lights on.
Make sure the scent is inviting
You might not think your house has a smell, but ask your loved ones. It does! Youve just grown used to it. Its not a horrible smell (hopefully!), but just a smell. Give viewers something new to smell. Turn on your scented wax warmer. Spray your favorite room air freshener. But dont overdo it. Make it subtle, but do it!
Vacuum
Nothing looks nicer or feels better than freshly vacuumed, fluffy carpet. Carpet can be a deal-breaker for some, so make it look nice. Hopefully youve had the carpets cleaned beforehand so all you will need to do is run the vacuum over them.
It is stressful trying to sell your home. With any luck these simple steps will aid you along the way and get buyers to see just how great your house really is. Good luck!
