If strangers were to walk into your home, what would their first impression be? This is one thing that many people get wrong -- even when they use a real estate agent.

For example, potential buyers are videotaped as they tour houses that the homeowners are desperate to sell. As a general rule, homeowners are shocked by strangers' first impressions of their homes. A home is largely a reflection of its owner, so it's hard for an owner to accept that other people find the décor, cleanliness or even the smell of the home distasteful.

A real estate agent is often the sounding board for buyers and their complaints about the homes they visit, and she is therefore more likely to address important deficiencies in her own home.

The second-biggest reason a home won't sell is because the homeowner hasn't taken care of details like ensuring the house is clean and uncluttered, the décor is neutral and the house has been "staged" to play up its best features. The biggest reason a home won't sell is, of course, the price.

Add Color:

Even if you have a black thumb or hate to deal with gardening, colorful flowers can create a positive emotional impact on homebuyers and visitors to your home. They are inexpensive and easy, immediately enhancing your home's "curb appel." You can plant them in the ground, but it is actually easier to use an inexpensive redwood planter's box. Planter's boxes are rectangular in shape and fit nicely on a porch, patio, windowsill, or practically anywhere.

For the flowers, add splash of color around the home inside and out. Although it may be difficult, a seller really has to walk through the house as if they are a potential buyer, being very critical and asking whether they would purchase a home in this condition. If you don’t feel you can do that, hire an interior designer to do it for you and to suggest what needs to be done to prepare your home for the most important show time you’ll ever have.

When it comes to walls, color may be a problem. The problem is that the next buyer might not like the same colors. Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to make a house look clean and fresh. And if you're going to repaint prior to selling, stick with neutrals.

 

Pets:

Another common question that many sellers ask and that is what do I do about pets, especially dogs. it has been found that 60 percent of all people are extremely scared or highly allergic to animals. What does this mean to a seller?

Its very simple you need to make other arrangements for your family pets. Of course, these pets are family members and you probably don’t want to board your pet. That’s okay, but you may not sell your house in a timely fashion or at its full market value.

With dogs, just the liability factor is huge. Your pet is the friendliest around but some little boy may come in pull your dog’s tail, causing your pet to react by biting this boy. So, it may be best to board your pet, let a friend keep him, or have some relatives take care of him during this important stage of selling your home.

 

De-Personalize:

Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. You don't want to distract Buyers. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."

 

De-Clutter:

Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it. If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?

Remove most books from bookcases

Pack up those knickknacks

Clean off everything on kitchen counters

Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use

Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway

Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets

 

Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well.

 

This means:

Alphabetize spice jars

Neatly stack dishes

Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way

Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction

Line up shoes

 

Rental Storage Unit:

Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them.

 

Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around.

 

Remove/Replace Favorite Items:

If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, they won't want it.

Once you tell a buyer they can't have an item, they will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

 

Repairs:

Replace cracked floor or counter tiles

Patch holes in walls

Fix leaky faucets

Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam

Consider painting your walls neutral colors.

Replace burned-out light bulbs

If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now

 

Make House Sparkel:

Wash windows inside and out

Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior

Clean out cobwebs

Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks

Polish chrome faucets and mirrors

Clean out the refrigerator

Vacuum daily

Wax floors

Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior

Clean out cobwebs

Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks

Polish chrome faucets and mirrors

Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures

Bleach dingy grout

Replace worn rugs

Hang up fresh towels

Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows

Clean and air out any musty smelling areas

 

Scrutinize:

Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?

Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer

Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense

Make sure window coverings hang level

Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?

Does it look like anybody lives in this house? You're almost finished

If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside

Keep the sidewalks cleared

Mow the lawn

Paint faded window trim

Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive

Trim your bushes

Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number

 

 

 

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