Is it time for you to put your home on the market and move forward with building your dream home?
If so, here are some quick tips from a Realtor to help you:
Price it right
When setting a price, consider the price points that the majority of buyers search for within in your area. For example, if you list your home for $399,000, it will show up in search results for anyone that’s looking for homes under $400,000. But price it at just $405,000, and it will not show up in their search results.
Remove all clutter
This includes all flat spaces and storage areas such as closets and pantries. Buyers are looking for storage space and will be checking out closets and pantries. Resist shoving your extra “stuff” into those areas. Give the impression that the home has plenty of storage by leaving some of those areas empty.
The “fridge art” and magnets need to go too!
Freshen up the Interior
Clean the whole house two to three days prior to visitors and this includes washing the windows.
- Open the windows/weather permitting. Fresh air welcomes visitors much better than musty air.
- Place some flowers or candles on your table.
- Add decorative and colorful throw pillows and blankets.
Lighting
The first choice is to have as much natural light shine through from windows, not obstructed by curtains.
If your home still is dark due to dark furnishings, wall colors, or flooring, try some of these ideas:
- Use light colored bedding, throws, drapes, and area rugs to brighten the space.
- Mirrors can reflect available light and make a room feel larger and more open. Try adding them to rooms with inadequate windows.
- Accent with bedside lamps, desk lamps and under-cabinet lighting.
Spruce up landscaping
First impressions are important. Does your home look welcoming, well-maintained and clean from the road or as you approach? Step back and take a critical look.
- Trim hedges, shrubs and overgrown tree branches.
- Clear walkways and paths.
- Sweep away spiderwebs and grass trimmings from the front porch.
- Plant flowers.
- A well-lit exterior invites buyers. They may not be consciously thinking about it, but they will probably feel safer in your neighborhood, the more light they see.
What’s That Smell?
Prepare your home days ahead of perspective buyers coming to visit. Bad smells can linger in a home for days.
Do not cook heavy or rich foods, especially meat or fish. Other lingering smells include pets, shoes, dust, and smoke.
Add a fragrance but only one! More is not better in this department. Favorable scents include: lemon, herbs, citrus, green tea, cedar, pine, basil and vanilla.