Preparing Your Home

One sure way that your potential buyers can see themselves enjoying life in your home is to make it as presentable and uncluttered as possible.  This factor, known in the industry as “curb appeal”, may be one of the biggest differences between a quick sale and continual showings.

"Curb Appeal" is critical to sell your home. Buyers form a lasting impression about your home from the moment they see your driveway.

"Sense Appeal" increases desirability to potential buyers when marketing your home. Soft music, the smell of cookies in the oven, slow moving ceiling fans, and a lot of lighting heightens the buyer's senses.   People tend not to buy bricks and mortar, but a home. If a house doesn't feel right it will be difficult to sell. The feel of your house can be influenced by a host of individual factors. Here are a few hints to help you make your house feel like your viewers' new home.

Preparing Your Home For Sale
 
First impressions are vital. Ensure that the front garden is neat and tidy and that the front elevation of the house, at least, is well maintained - particularly the front door! A hanging basket by the front door is well worth the investment.

Pay attention to the smells. Homebuyers use all their senses when getting the 'feel' of your home. Clean the curtains and carpets and give the whole place a good ‘spring clean’. There's a lot of truth in the old adage of employing the aroma of freshly baked bread. At least, use a little potpourri around the place. A couple of bunches of fresh fragrant flowers also make a huge difference.

Cars parked in front of the house and bikes and toys in the yard and driveway can detract from the homes curb appeal.  Make a habit of checking the yard and driveway periodically.

Your lovable pets, may cost you a buyer.  It is not very likely, but possible.  Be sensitive to the fact that prospects need to be comfortable when looking through your home.  Try to keep pets away as much as possible.  A good idea is to arrange for a friend or family member to keep them during a scheduled showing.

"The Right Price" usually means quicker sale. Overpriced homes can become "stale" on the market. Call me to determine a solid, fair selling price for your home.  (See Pricing Your Home To Sale.)

Organize clutter and create new space! Have a garage sale. Neatly box unused items in closets and cupboards and place them in your garage.

While these tasks may seem something of a chore, they really will make a tremendous difference to the saleability of your house.