LET’S PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SHOWING

 

 

 

 

We all know that a first impression is a lasting impression, so to achieve the greatest possible outcome a home should always be presented at its best the first time around. That is why “staging” (preparing your home to show at its best) is such an important step in the marketing process.

 

In most cases potential buyers make up their mind within ten seconds of stepping in the front door. And, since they begin forming an opinion as soon as they pull into the driveway that really doesn’t leave much room for error.

 

What sells a house? Gourmet kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, sumptuous bedrooms, welcoming family rooms and lovely, well-kept landscapes. Are you looking around your home and not finding these things? They are probably there. They just need to be rediscovered.

 

As an agent, I am familiar with all of the factors that can help a home sell, but it’s impossible for me to get a home into selling condition without the owner’s assistance. However, if we work together we can make it shine!

 

 

 

Here are just a few ideas of where to start:

 

STEP 1: Curb Appeal

 

Pressure Washing/Staining: If your home needs to be presure washed or stained, it is best to do it before placing it on the market. This is one of the most cost effective things you can do to make your home more marketable. However, this is no time try out a trendy new color. Stick with the basics – choose colors that conform to the area's overall natural color scheme.

 

If your home is not yet in need of an entire new stain job, you might still want to consider touching up anything that you see from the road such a window sills, shutters, gutters and down spouts and, of course, your mailbox post. At the very least, you will want to touch up things that are at eye level. Freshen up the paint on your front door and make certain that your porch and handrails are smooth and clean.

 

Landscape: A neatly trimmed landscape gives your property a well-maintained appearance. Simply clearing away old debris and freshening the mulch in all of your islands and beds can do a great deal to create curb appeal.

You will also need to remove and replace any dead or dying trees, hedges, or shrubs and prune anything that looks scraggly or overgrown. While a mature landscape can certainly add beauty to your home, shrubs that have been allowed to become too large can give your home an “aged” appearance. This is very important if your cabin is nearing the 7 year mark or older as you certainly don’t want to draw attention your home’s age.

Cutting back overgrown shrubs and filling your flowerbeds with colorful seasonal flowers is an inexpensive way to add to the appeal of your property.

 

Also, since many buyers drive through your neighborhood before even calling their agent, never leave clutter such as toys, lawn equipment, trash receptacles or garden hoses scattered around the yard. You never know when a prospective buyer will be looking.

 

Garage: As they are few and far between in our area, if you have a garage it can be a GREAT selling feature! Remove anything that you don't need from the garage. If you can't clean your garage out, at least keep the doors closed. Remove all oil stains from the garage floor. Also, try not to park cars, trucks, boats or campers in front or beside of your home.

 

Repairs: Clean or replace tarnished doorknobs, kick plates or knockers. Make sure that all exterior light fixtures are clean and working properly. Straighten, clean or replace all gutters and downspouts. Replace missing or damaged roof shingles and broken or cracked windows. Repair or replace torn window screens. Replace broken or missing fencing and freshen up the paint or stain. Make sure that all exterior doors open easily.

 

 

STEP 2: Interior Appeal

 

While curb appeal may get the buyer into your home, an attractive interior is what will make the sale.

 

There is significant competition in the market now and you must keep in mind that your home will be compared not only to homes of the same age, but also to the new homes available in your price range. Because of this, we need to make every effort to make your home stand out from the competition.

 

 

Clean, scrub, and polish: During the marketing period, there is no such thing as too clean or too fresh. All kitchen appliances (stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave oven, vent hood, etc..) must be absolutely clean inside and out. Scrub everything (walls, floors, bathtubs, showers, and sinks) until it sparkles.

 

People do not buy dirty homes! This is one of the cheapest and easiest things that you can do to reduce your home’s marketing time.

 

Windows: Try to keep your windows spotless inside and out throughout the selling period. Many buyers will check out the view from each room. Don't let their first impression be windows covered with cobwebs, dead bugs and smeared with fingerprints.

 

Eliminate odors: Strong odors are very offensive to someone visiting your home for the first time so it is important that you eliminate all smoke, mildew, and pet odors. Cinnamon or citrus-scented air fresheners work best at eliminating odors. (Try to stay away from floral scents as they can be too overpowering.) Cleaning drapes and carpets will also help rid your home of odors.

 

Clear out the clutter: You are selling square footage, so get a head start on your packing! Box up, sell or donate anything that you can live without during the marketing period. Clean out and re-organize your closets so they will look larger. (Even a big closet gives the illusion that it’s “not big enough” if it is packed full.)

In the same vain, eliminating excess furniture will make your rooms appear larger.

 

Interior Painting: If you have made bold color choices in your home, now might be the time to consider toning down your décor. While you may love the visual effect of your emerald green family room and adjoining cherry red kitchen, you aren't the buyer. Select neutral colors such as beiges or other colors foudn in nature that are less likely to conflict with most prospective buyers' preferences.

 

KEEP IN MIND: The more you can do to limit a buyer's honey-do list the better off you are. Many buyers are turned off by the idea of buying a "project". Additionally, buyers usually guess high when determining the cost of repairs. Don't let them have the chance.

Completing repairs and cleanup before you put your property on the market can greatly reduce your days-on-the-market and often reduces the number of low-ball offers you receive. print a Show and Sell checklist

 

 

 

Provided by Dan and Gayle Barton of The Real Estate Connection 1-866-413-1781

Insist on “The Barton Advantage”