So last week ,in Part 1 of this blog topic, we focused on 5 different cleaning tasks you can undertake to give your house the best shot of getting sold for top dollar (see: How To Prepare Your Home For Sale: Part 1). Today we will cover 5 other great tips that will help you put your house on the must see (and, therefore, must buy) list of all your potential buyers. So let’s get busy…
“Sometimes the key to happiness is finding the key to the right home.”
Unknown
1. Maximize Your Natural Light
Every buyer wants natural light – loads of it. Not every home has an abundance of it, but you can make the best of what you have, and therefore make potential buyers happy, with a couple of quick tricks. The first thing you can do is simply take away your window treatments in the living spaces of your home. I know, I said that, but it’s true. Take them off entirely. Be sure to clean your windows thoroughly after doing this, and patch and repaint any walls that have damage from curtain rods and blinds. You wouldn’t necessarily live like this, but as a temporary choice it really maxes out the light and that’s the goal. Not ready for “The Full Monty” on your windows? No worries. You can rehang window treatments so they fall outside the sides of the window casements so the full window is exposed when they are pushed aside. This option may also require some patching and repainting, but it will definitely be worth it when the light and the offers start pouring in. (For more information on this idea see my blog: Top Design Trends For 2021: Part 1).
2. Fix The Small Stuff
If you have something that is obviously broken (like a door handle or window pane, a leaky faucet or a running toilet) do NOT assume that potential buyers will overlook it. Fix it! It is imperative because you know what buyers assume when they see broken things? Buyers think that you are falling down in the maintenance department and they get the subliminal message that other things must be in ill-repair too (like your furnace or your roof). You get the picture? Fix the small stuff and they will get the message that you take care of things in your home – that’s a home people want to buy.
3. Make Upgrades That Pay Off
If your appliances are old, it’s the first thing that potential buyers will see. Replacing old appliances can be costly but it will pay you back in the offers. You don’t have to buy the top-of-the-line appliances that you’d buy if you were staying, but you should buy stainless. Buyers will see stainless as an upgrade worthy of their purchase price. Other upgrades that matter are things like cabinet hardware – updating it instantly refreshes your kitchen and the cost is minimal. And as we recommended last week, modernizing light fixtures is definitely worth the money you spend because you’ll get it back and more at the time of sale. Kitchens and bathrooms are where to spend your dollars, so use that as a rule.
4. Maximize Your Curb Appeal
If I can’t find your front door, I don’t think you really want me visiting. The same can be said for potential buyers – make the front door a focal point by clearing bushes away from it, giving it a fresh coat of paint, and placing some potted flowers on the steps. You will literally welcome them in to buy your house. Also, make sure to keep the flower beds tidy and the grass cut and keep the yard (front and back) free from extraneous items like kids’ toys and sprinklers. The more curb appeal the more likely the sale.
5. Set The Table
Buyers like to envision themselves in the space that’s for sale. One easy way to help them do that is to set the table – use pretty cloth napkins, placemats and wine glasses. Help them think about sitting down to a meal right there. If you are fortunate enough to have a soaker tub, I am also a big fan of placing a couple of champagne flutes and a bottle of champagne on the tub deck – again, help them imagine – and you won’t have to imagine anything because you’ll have a signed Purchase And Sale Agreement.
What Else is Good About Getting Your House Ready For Sale?
As you’re working to get your home ready, you can let your mind begin to imagine your next adventure… wherever it may lead you.
Now For A Little Music Before We Go…
“Home staging used to be optional. Today, it’s a necessity in selling a house.”
Barbara Corcoran
No Comments