Improvements That Sell
Tiny details count as much as the big things when you're trying to sell a home. You can't always predict what will capture a buyers' fancy, but most buyers respond to certain things, such as a clean, clutter-free home in good repair. Homes that owners keep in tip-top shape for showings garner higher offers than homes that aren't ready for showing.
Have a Garage Sale Before Listing
Get rid of clutter to allow the buyer to really see your home. Pack away everything you can either stowing it or sending it to a storage facility and dispose of items you don't need.
Welcome the Buyer at the Entry
Put out a new doormat, but avoid mats with cute sayings. Make sure that the door is freshly painted and clean and all glass is sparkling. Clean and polish the door knocker. Put potted flowers on the porch. Make sure the front entry floor is always sparkling clean and the porch and steps are swept. First impressions really do count.
Remove Outdated Window Treatments
Dull, old drapes torn window shades or bent mini-blinds should be removed and replaced with simple white mini-blinds or wooden blinds to refresh the look of rooms.
Stimulate Buyers' Imaginations
Set the dinner table with your best china. Use the romance of the fireplace to advantage. Put a pair of wine glasses and a vase of flowers on the coffee table in front of the fire. Set a scene that will encourage buyers to imagine themselves living in your home.
Be Ruthless About Odours
If there is a smell, your house won't sell. Use cleansers of all kinds to make the home smell fresh, from carpet freshener to potpourri. Deodorize cat litter and scoop litter daily. Put cedar chips inside the closets. However, be careful when using room sprays as they can irritate allergies. You can also use the sense of smell to your advantage by having fresh-baked cakes and biscuits on the kitchen table, creating a welcoming aroma for your potential buyers.
Create a Spacious Feeling
Make sure that all doors, cabinets and drawers open all the way without bumping into anything or sticking. Clean out the entry closet and put only a few hangers in it. Move oversized furniture to a storage facility. Make sure entrances to all rooms have an open flow.
Install closet systems to prevent closets appearing stuffed with clothes and poorly organised.
Create Counter space. Store away extra appliances. Put away dish racks, soap dishes and other clutter. Decrease kitchen clutter further by removing magnets from the refrigerator.
Showcase Wood Flooring
Replace worn, dirty or badly coloured carpeting with hardwood flooring.
Make the Most of Views
Disguise unsightly views. Make sure the interior is visible from the street. All windows must be crystal clean and clear.
Avoid Eccentric Decor
De-personalize your teenager's room, the game room or other areas by removing wild posters or any decorative item that could be construed as offensive. Remove decorations which might not appeal to the masses.
Let There Be Light
Increase the wattage in light bulbs in the laundry room, kitchen, and bathrooms. For showings, turn on lights in every room.