Top 5 Things To Make Your Home SHOW READY
Your home will soon be on the market! Agents and Buyers will be soon be arriving to see if your home "is the one". This list could be exhaustive for sure-- but over the years of listing and selling properties we've put the top 5 together that will get you quick results for not alot of money! I hope you will find these to be helpful and please feel free to share them with friend!
Keep in mind that your focus is to create an inviting neutral atmosphere where buyers can imagine themselves and their things. If you have what we call "committment colors" (colors buyers either love or hate) you may want to consider a coat of neutral colors. (paint is cheaper than reducing your price for a "decor allowance") It's also a given that you make any necessary repairs and do regular maintenance items such as AC filters, lightbulbs (so important!) gutters, fence repairs. These things send a message about how well your home has been taken care of overall.
First Impressions
Your exterior says more than you know! --
Trim Trees and shrubs
Edge all areas especially walkways
Clean out flowerbeds--spread bags of mulch for a fresh "ready to plant" look even if you don't add color (which is always a good idea even if just in a pot on the porch)
Spray-wash your entire front porch area (doors, ceilings, sidings, windows) NO Cob webs or dirt!
If you can't afford to touch up the exterior paint areas of the porch - give the front door a fresh coat for sure!
2. Look Fresh Smell Fresh
Carpets should be clean clean clean-- and freshly vacuumed.
All floors and surfaces shiny clean
Install Plug-In Room Fresheners regularly (cinnamon or vanilla scents are usually a good choice)
3. De-Personalize- De-Clutter
Remove all your personal fridge art-- (no offense-- it's just too personal)
Remove or store excessive knick knacks (your collection of 1001 whatevers)
Store your personal care products in bathrooms and bedrooms out of sight.
4. Organize and Optimize
So remember you're moving! It's a great time to get rid of things you aren't using or need anymore.
Less is always more in home showing. The more carpet or floor area you can show the better.
Optimize the space in a bedroom by removing any furniture you aren't really using everyday.
Re-organize your closets and pantry to show it's true potential.
5. Pets
It's important that your pets are on your mind-- but not on the mind of your previewing guests!
Store bowls and other items out of view. Remember they want to imagine themselves not you in the house. Pets can be very distracting especially cute ones!
Lots of people are afraid of dogs or cats no matter how loving or cute they may be.
Make arrangements for your pets to be removed from the house during showings especially if they bark or jump on visitors. Most agents will not continue a showing if dogs are left roaming the house for fear of putting themselves or their clients at risk.
I should also mention that making your home inviting also includes making it available. Nothing is more frustrating to buyers who are actively viewing homes than to be turned down for a showing appointment. Our listing services include an appointment service that allows agents to make multiple appointments at one time. Being as flexible and available as possible will increase your showings which will DE-crease your days on the market! It's got to show to sell!