Begin readying your home for showing NOW. Once a house is listed on the MLS, the first two weeks are busy times. Ready buyers who have been waiting for a house like yours will rush to see it within the first two weeks. If your home doesn't make a good first impression, it won't get a second chance. Decide which items can / need to be repaired immediately - and which ones may require me to negotiate with the buyer. A home that's visually appealing and in good condition will attract potential buyers driving down the street - and will encourage them to view the interior as well. A home doesn't have to be luxurious to feel clean, clutter free, and inviting. There are professional home stagers who will prepare your home for a fee, bringing their own furniture and/or decor or working with what you already have. You can also stage your home yourself. Here are some ways to effectively enhance your home:
On the Outside:
Trim Trees, Shrubs and Plants
Fertilize and Water for a Beautiful Lawn
Mow and Edge the Grass
Sweep Sidewalks, Drive, Patio, Deck
Paint Using Neutral Colors
Store Garbage and Debris out of Sight
Store Tools, Hose, and Mower
Keep Garage Door Closed
Apply Fresh Bark or Mulch
Rake Leaves and Plant Debris
Plant or Pot Flowers
Powerwash gutters and walkways
Keep the Porch Light on
Keep interior lights on and visible from outside
On the Inside:
Floors and Bathroom Tiles Should Shine
Shampoo Dirty Carpets and Area Rugs
Clean Tubs and Showers, and Oven
Clean all Windows and Mirrors
Oil Squeaky Doors and Clear Counters
Keep Your Home Neat and Tidy Always
Remove Clutter in all Rooms, Dust
Consider Using Storage to Create Space
Paint Makes a Huge Difference (neutral)
Neutralize Offensive Odors
Set out Fresh Flowers
Replace or Clean Towels, Shower Curtains
Rooms Should be Well Lit
Set Comfortable Room Temperatures
Once the exterior entices buyers in, the kitchen should be the primary focus. It is the most important room when selling a house. A clean, clutter free kitchen can make all the difference. A "staged" home doesn't really look lived in, so storing many items you might normally have around is important. Most knick-knacks need to go! When preparing your home, consider using a paint, landscape or cleaning service, but remember that while cosmetic improvements require elbow grease, they don't have to be expensive. Show potential buyers that your home has been kept clean and is well maintained. Imagine seeing your home for the first time. What are the worst features? What can you do to minimize or improve them? What are the best features of your home? What can be done to hightlight them? You only get one "first impression". Although some people can see past clutter and see potential, buying a home is very emotional. A clutter free house feels bigger and better. Neutral colors appeal to the vast majority of buyers. Again, even if you love your hot pink bathroom, some buyers may not be imaginative enough to see past a color they dislike. Sometimes the feelings a home inspires can make all the difference. Everyone feels good about making an offer on a home that looks clean, spacious, neutral, and well cared for.
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Ted Harris • Realtor® • NWsold.com • NWsold@gmail.com • Cell: 503-936-4468 Real Estate Agent Serving the Greater Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area
