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Curb appeal may make the difference between being
a drive-by or a must see. Make your house
say
“Welcome Home.”
Get Detached –
try to see your house as a prospective buyer would see it.
What is your impression of the house and yard?
What are the best outside feature of the house or lot and can you enhance
them?
What are the worst features of the house or lot and how can you improve
or remove them?
Park where your buyer would park and look around as you walk towards the
house. Is it the approach clean, tidy and inviting?
List the positives and negatives of your property’s appearance.
Take black and white photos of your
home’s exterior to better analyze problem areas.
Potential
buyers may drive by your house in the evening, therefore, take another look at your house at dusk or just after dark. Lighting can help show your home’s best features or create a focal point.
String
solar or low voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks, and around landscaping.
Add
a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch.
Staging Your Home Can Put $$ in Your Bank Account
It's Hard to Sell a Dirty House
Home
buyers usually think dirty houses are in need of repair, when all they usually require is some thorough TLC. Turned-off buyers
mean no interest; therefore, NO SALE. Clean your
carpets, tile or terrazzo. Eliminate or reduce odors – tobacco and pet
odors are particularly offensive to many buyers. Remember to look-up –
for cobwebs, dusty ceiling fans and greasy refrigerator and cabinet tops. Make
the fixtures in your bath and kitchen sparkle and make sure your mirrors reflect a good image.
Remember potential buyers may open your refrigerator or oven door and run their fingers across your countertops and
window sills.
Remove
clutter from closets and countertops. A small kitchen can look even smaller with
appliances and knick-knacks taking-up counter space.
Outdated, Worn Out Components
Look
at your house with a fresh attitude and try to see it as buyers do. How can you make improvements? Is new vinyl or tile needed in the kitchen, laundry or bathroom?
Is your room lighting adequate or are the lighting fixtures outdated? Determine
what your needs are, what the changes will cost and what return you can expect on your investment. Investments in improving the kitchen and bathroom traditionally add to your bottom-line.
Is It Going or Staying?
Look at everything in your house. Consider getting rid of the items not going with you before you have your first open
house. Remember moving unwanted or unnecessary items costs the same amount as
moving what you want and need. Consignment shops are a great way to get rid of
unwanted items and a great way to generate some extra money. Donating unwanted
items to not-for-profits, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, can reduce moving expenses and give
you a charitable donation tax deduction.
You want the prospective buyer to be able to see their furnishings in your home. If you will not need an item – such as family pictures, knick-knacks or collectibles – consider
getting a jump start on your move and pre-pack these items. You want the buyer
to be interested in your house, not your life-style.
Will My Furniture Fit in Here?
A buyer, who can see their furnishings
in your home, is a serious buyer.
- Rearrange
furniture and remove excess furniture and to make rooms bigger.
- Clean
and organize the closets. Freshly painted closets invite
buyers to hang their clothes in them.
- Store boxes in
an out of the way location or rent a temporary storage unit so you can de-clutter every part of the house.
Expose Desirable Features
- Remove rugs if
they expose nice hardwood or tile floors.
- Remove heavy
drapes that keep out natural light, especially if there's a great view out the windows.
Add Life
Live plants go hand-in-hand with nearly
any decor—remove artificial versions.
It’s the 21st Century
Are walls in the house dingy? Are the
colors dated? Should you clean or replace curtains or other window coverings?
Professional Resources
If you need help or cannot do the work
yourself, contract with service providers for cleaning, painting and staging. Home
and Garden Television (HGTV) shows Curb Appeal and Designed to Sell offer valuable insights on recognizing and rectifying
problem areas.
The services of a professional
home inspector may save you money by helping you to identify existing or potential problems, which could affect the marketability
of your home. To find a qualified ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) member in your area, please
click on the following link: http://www.ashi.org
REMEMBER FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING AND YOU USUALLY ONLY GET ONE CHANCE WITH A PROSPECTIVE
BUYER. Make Sure it's Your House they
Come Back to for a Second Look.
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