Tips on how to show your home
You’ve probably heard that the most important thing to consider when purchasing a home is
“location, location, LOCATION”. Since you can not move your home, here are some tips that you can do to make your home “show” better. Among the most important of these is first impressions and curb appeal. There is never a second chance to make a great “FIRST” impression!
A clean neat home will make a buyer feel at home. A small investment in paint will make your home much more attractive to buyers.
How you decorate your home is not nearly as much a factor as how clean it is or what condition it is in. Be objective about it; if you immediately notice cracks or peeling paint, you can be sure the buyer will also notice. In general, the appearance must be clean and neat throughout. Little touches go a long way in providing good curb appeal.
* Adding flowers to the front of your home is an inexpensive way to dress it up.
* Also be sure the lawn is trimmed, the driveway is clean, and the garage doors stay closed.
* Be sure the front door is clean and freshly painted, if necessary.
* The window-sills and screens may need some work. Where possible, open draperies to brighten the rooms. Make sure the windows are clean!
* A fire in the fireplace and cookies in the oven lend a certain charm to a home. Display fresh flowers when possible. Fresh baked cookies always make a house smell like a home. Personally I perfer brownies.
* Eliminate any cracked plaster, loose boarding, or otherwise unsightly features.
* Make kitchens and bathrooms sparkle. Fresh towels, attractive shower curtains and clean area rugs help to spruce up bathrooms.
* Remove furniture in rooms that look too crowded. Most of us tend to have too much and a general rule of thumb is to remove about one third of it.
* Pack up knickknacks and paperwork to create an uncluttered atmosphere.
* Dishes should be put away and counter-top appliances hidden. The less on the counter tops, the more counter space is seen. Cluttered counters in kitchen are not an aid to selling your home.
* Carpets and area rugs should be cleaned.
* Throw out items you haven’t used in the last year. This will make moving easier as well!
* Turn on the lights in every room to show your home at its' best. Use lamps rather then overhead lighting wherever possible.
* Children and pets should not be around during the showings as they tend to distract buyers. Large dogs, in particular, should be contained to avoid intimidation. When buyers and their agents are viewing the house, take a walk to give them an opportunity to discuss your house potential to be their new home.
* Be prepared to show your home at the buyeer's convenience. With the busy schedules many people have, you may not get a second opportunity.