It is spring! And it is the perfect time of year to sell your home. Flowers are in bloom. The grass is green. It is the best time of year for your home to sparkle and shine.
Let’s take a look at somethings you can do to really show off your home and give prospective buyers a great showing experience.
Step #1- Declutter– It is important to remove anything that is distracting from seeing the space, finishes and amenities. You want the prospective buyer to be able to visualize how they would live in the home and arrange the space. No space is exempt from the decluttering process. Purge the counters, closets, rooms, garage, porch, basement. Hit all of the spaces.
Start by removing anything you know you are never going to use again. If it is broken or worn out or you have no use for it, get rid of it. Take as many loads as you can to the recycle and donation center.s Sell items online or have a garage sale. Whatever works for you to remove as much as you can from your home. Keep in mind, what is not useful to you, may be a great need for someone else. Consider contacting non profit organizations that help people with clothing and household items.
Next, start packing up the things you know you will not need between now and when you move. Packed boxes can be stacked neatly in the garage, basement or a spare room. Potential buyers see packed boxes as a sign that you are ready to move. You could go a step further and rent a storage unit. The more space you can clear the better. It allows prospective buyers to see the room sizes, get the best natural light and imagine their own furnishings.
As you are cleaning out and boxing up, you are bound to come across items that you are on the fence about keeping. A good rule of thumb is to consider how you will feel when you open the box and see that item when you are in your new space. Is it meaningful to you? Does it have a purpose? Do you have a good place to put it? If none of these are a yes, it is probably a good ideas to get rid of it. It is one less item to pack and move and one less item that you will bring into your new fresh space.
Step #2-Freshen Up Your Space- Once you have cleaned out your space, now it is time to freshen it up. Go room to room wiping down walls, baseboards, light switches and doors. Dust light fixtures and corners of the room. Clean the windows and the tracks. Clean around the heating vents. And then touch touch up any chipped or peeling paint.
Step #3-Make the First Impression A Good Impression– The first thing a prospective buyer sees when they pull up to the house is going to set the tone for the showing. You want it to be clean, well maintained and welcoming. If that is the front yard, then have the grass mowed, weeds pulled and maybe some fresh bark dust. Sweep the front porch or entry and knock downs cobwebs. Wipe down the front door and replace the weather stripping if it is damaged. Add some potted flowers, wreath or other decor to give it some style and color.
A few other Do’s and Don’ts:
- DO sweep, vacuum and wipe down counters before the showing.
- DON’T overdo it on air fresheners. Many people are allergic or turned off by overpowering scents.
- DO turn on lights and open curtains.
- DON’T stay home for the showing. It is very awkward to most prospects. They will stay longer and look closer if they have the freedom to tour with their agent.
Tanna Cable Real Estate Blog 