Preparing Your Home for Show

Some people feel like this can be a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. You just need to take a few steps to put yourself in the shoes of the buyer. When you look at other people’s homes what is appealing to you? What is not appealing? When you go to Grandma’s and smell an apple pie in the oven, how does that make you feel? When you go to your neighbor’s home and you see wallpaper from 1969, what do you think? Usually those same feelings are universal but the messages sometimes get lost when trying to look objectively at our own homes. Here are some tips to get your home show reading and increase your odds of a quick sell at top price.

Always remember that the first impression is the lasting impression. Curb appeal is very important. No, you do not need to hire a landscaper to revamp the whole yard. A few hours of sweat equity will go a long way. Rid your yard of weeds, clean up flower beds, and trim the bushes. Make sure the front of the house is visible from the street. Mow, edge, and clean up clipping from the yard. Do touch up painting if necessary. Many times a forgotten piece of the front of the house is the door. Be sure it is clean and freshly painted if needed. This makes the home look inviting before even stepping inside and you want as many potential buyers to walk through that door as possible!

Now for the inside of your home, what do you think is the number one reason buyers are turned off from a home? If you guessed smell you would be right. This is especially important if you have pets. It is always a good idea to have your carpets cleaned if they are not already in pristine condition. Light a candle before showing or bake some fresh cookies. Make sure your home smells inviting. Wild color schemes on walls are also a no-no. Neutral colors go a long way. Take down personal photos. People want to be able to picture THEIR furniture and style in your space. They do not want to be distracted by your belongings. The next most important thing is to de-clutter and clean-up. De-clutter by putting anything on kitchen counters away, keep coffee, end, and dining rooms tables clear, and make sure bathroom countertops are cleared off as well. Show off the space you have. Repair small items such as loose doorknobs, cabinet handles, and switch plate and outlet covers. Next you need to clean, clean, clean. Think of model homes that builders have available for buyers to view. Try to imitate that as closely as possible. Buyers want to feel as if they can move right into the space they have chosen. Repair small items such as loose doorknobs, cabinet handles, and switch plate and outlet covers.

Here are a few more tips to push you ahead of the curve. Make yourself scarce during showings. Many prospects feel like intruders when the owners are present. They will be more likely to inquire about the home and this will give your realtor a chance to really sell the place to them. And although it is difficult at times to live in a home in show condition, try to keep it that way at all times. You never know when that perfect buyer will want come to see your home. The effort will be well worth it!

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