They say you only get one chance to make a first impression, and that may never be more true than when selling your home. Most sellers make an effort to clean their home before showing it, but another action could help to decrease the time it takes to sell a home.
1. Clean Your House
(This should be a no brainer but I feel I need to post about it anyway.) After living in your home for years, you may tend to overlook some of the surface buildup and strange odors. Cigarette and pet odors are the most complaints I get from buyers. They talk about how much money and how long it will take to remove the odors from the walls and carpets.
If you are a smoker, it is probably best to smoke outside during the sale of your home. Pet odors are harder to detect. Especially, if you are accustomed to living there. Ask a friend to tell you if they notice any odors and don’t be mad at them if they tell you they do.
2. Lighten Up
Brighten up the rooms by exposing as much natural light as possible. Open up curtains and blinds. Turn on lamps in dark rooms and keep the bedroom and the bathroom doors open.
I’ve made the mistake of showing a house during the new daylight savings time hours for fall. It quickly turned dark at 5:30-6:00 p.m. and when we entered the house, all of the lights were turned off and the bedroom and the bathroom doors to each room were closed. My buyers were quickly creeped out and leery of opening any doors. They stated they felt like they were walking through a haunted house. Needless to say, they had no interest in buying that house.
3. Finish Projects
You know what I’m talking about, the paint job you started two years ago but never got around to finishing; holes in the walls you were meaning to patch; unpainted crown molding and baseboards; re-grouting the bathroom tile.
Unfinished projects are just dollar signs off the price of your home. Let’s not give the buyer a reason to lower the value.
4. Appropriate Furniture In The Rooms
A computer station in the master bedroom or kitchen may give the impression there is not enough space in the home. It is best to relocate it or remove it all together.
5. Declutter
Remember the adage,“Less is more.”
Rent a mini storage unit or pod. You’re planning on moving anyway. Why not go ahead and start removing your excess furniture and accessories? This is a perfect time to pack away any personal items like the family pictures that cover the hallway or the scary doll collection proudly displayed in the back bedroom. A room will feel bigger and more inviting with less items taking up space.
6. Leave (And Take Your Pets With You)
It is important for the buyers to start to have an emotional connection to the home. Plus they won’t feel comfortable opening up kitchen cabinets and closet spaces if you are there.
Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home?
For more tips on preparing your home for sale, here is an infographic detailing 48 additional ways to prep your home to sell and speed up the sale process.
When you’re ready to sell, check out my 7-step seller process to walk you through the sale of your home. With my resources, I can help increase your advantage.
