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Maximizing First Impressions
for Sellers:
General Exterior:
Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home
has been meticulously maintained.
Manicure landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowerbeds, prune trees.
Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the
garage door closed.
Repair or replace
loose or damaged roof shingles. Minimize
cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and
keep them clean and free of obstruction like toys.
Items
from RV to waste cans left our can contribute to a cluttered
or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your
property appears clear. Inspect appearance
of interior window coverings from the curb.
Repair any peeling paint or loose
caulking on windows or other areas.
Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests.
Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals.
Doorway:
While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details.
Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and frame.
Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits.
Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass.
Interior Appeal:
Once inside, most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decision.
Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to a buyer’s perceived value of your home.
For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
Clear kitchen counters of everything other than perhaps a few very pretty items. Ask yourself: In a model home, would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale of boxing and storing unused belongings.
If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls, and window and floor coverings with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and décor.
Repair dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes.
Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles.
Subtle scents of potpourri in can make your home more inviting and homey. |
