Don’t just list without preparing first. Some of the smallest things can almost guarantee a quick and advantageous sale! In my 30+ years of experience I’ve seen what impacts buyers most when it comes to buying a home, and you’d be surprised at what stands out in a buyer’s eye. Here’s 7 recommendations on how to get your home ready to sell fast.
Become A Buyer: Walk through your entire home from the curb, to the attic, and the backyard. Remember that you’re taking this walk not as yourself but as a potential buyer. Look at your home not as your home but as if it were your first time seeing it all over again. Do your best to notice every detail because this is what buyers will do. Grab a notepad & pen then spend 5 – 7 mins in each room noting areas that you notice that can or should be improved.
Clean, clean, clean, and then clean again: Dust is the enemy! Eliminate it on window sills, the mantle, ceiling fan blades and any other area. Make the beds, fluff pillows, sweep, mop & vacuum floors. Hang fresh towels, replace air fresheners, and polish chrome finishes, mirrors and glass. If it’s too much to take on or if you just need a bit of help consider hiring a cleaning service to assist.
De-personalize & declutter: Consider renting a storage unit to keep large furniture items that take up space. Make sure you file away all those piles of mail and other papers you’ve been meaning to shred. Remember you want buyers to be able to move freely and focus on the space, not on how you’ve made it your home.
Set your bathroom up as if guests were staying over: Think Spa! Coordinate your bath mats and towels in cool and calming colors like blue, green and white. Get some scented candles and small plants to further set the mood. Even dimming the lights a bit and having low spa music playing would be great!
Scents are everything: Fresh baked goods, like apple pie or cookies are always welcomed! These scents make people feel at home and prompt them to imagine a comfy, homey atmosphere for themselves. If you don’t bake, buy a candle and fake it until you make it!
Pay attention to curb appeal: When buyers arrive the outside of your home is the first thing that they see. Some buyers drive by to see homes and make their decision to come in based on what the outside looks like. This is the very first, first impression. Make sure the lawn is mowed, the flowers look fresh and fix any chipped paint you notice. If it’s winter be sure to have the sidewalks, any steps and the driveway plowed and salted.
Make minor repairs & updates: Have you been meaning to repair that leaky faucet? Paint where the babies colored on the walls? Want to change out the kitchen fixtures? Well now is the time, because trust me, buyers will notice. Setting aside a weekend and getting to all those minor repairs and updates will make a world of difference.
We all know how impactful first impressions can be, so follow the recommendations above to ensure buyers have a great first impression and hopefully buy your home! I wish you the best of luck!
For additional information or for a free consultation to list your home with me, please call (315) 671-1625 or email (LarryEchols@remax.net) anytime!
