Think of your home as a
product or service. You need to "package" it attractively to create a demand for it. Here are some fast, inexpensive
changes that should make your home stand out among similarly-priced homes in your neighborhood:
It begins with the exterior!
Your yard, and the exterior of your house,
is the first impression that potential buyers have of your home.
Yard. Keep your lawn neat and well trimmed,
with well-proportioned shrubs. Consider replanting flowers or creating a flowerbed to enhance the appearance of your yard.
If it is the fall, make sure the lawn is raked at all times. And in the wintertime, clear snow from your driveway and walkways.
The Front Door.
Make sure your door is tightly on its hinges! Furthermore, the door should be neat and clean. Paint it if it needs it. If
the door is in poor shape, consider replacing it. Finally, a holiday ornament on the door, like a wreath, ads a nice touch.
Consider adding an inviting "welcome mat".
Home Exterior. Check for flat-fitting roof shingles, straight lines on gutters, shutters, windows,
and siding; solid caulking around roofs and seams. Apply fresh paint where it needs it. Also, make sure the windows are crystal
clear; potential buyers often peer through the windows.The Deck or Patio. If you have
a patio or deck, arrange a barbeque type set-up. Use a colorful tablecloth and napkins and place cooking tools on the grill.
Add lots of outdoor plants.
The Interior
Lights.
During the evening, or whenever you have potential buyers in the home, make sure ALL of the lights are on. This makes rooms
look more inviting and spacious. Also, make sure curtains are always up to let as much sunlight in as possible.
Smell.
I recommend using a vanilla air freshener that applies directly to your air filter. This gives your home that "new model
home" aroma.
Remove Excess Furniture. Remove as much furniture as possible. This can make your rooms look dramatically
larger.
The Living Room. Strive for lived-in, cozy feeling. Discard worn, chipped, frayed furniture. Add
lamps if it is dark. Open curtains. Set out fresh flowers.
The Kitchen. Many buyers judge the house keeping by the oven and stove. Appliances should be spotless
and everything works perfectly. Replace or repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips. Clear the clutter from countertops.
. The Dining Room.
Set the dining room table as though you were having guests. A small bouquet of fresh flowers will go a long way in
creating a welcoming atmosphere. The Master Bedroom. This is the second-most appealing room to a buyer (after the kitchen). Remove
excess furniture to make it appear larger. Show the true size of the closets by removing or packing items that can be stored
elsewhere.
Bathrooms. Make sure bathrooms are always neat and clean. Remove clutter from sink countertops.
Make sure showers are free of scum and tile grout in good shape. Most buyers pay close attention to this!
When You Let Potential Buyers In The Door Make sure that the exterior and interiors are both in order! Furthermore, appeal to the potential buyers' senses:
make sure the lights are on; the home has a vanilla or green apple aroma, there are smaller versions of your favorite slow
cooker that are ideal for this. A pleasant scent will definitely color the experience of your home. Just don't use a heavy
aerosol spray. It can be overwhelming and some people are allergic. Perhaps have some very soft classical
or jazz music playing on the stereo.
