"You never get a second chance to make a first impression", and this holds true when selling your home! A negative first impression can directly translate into dollars off a full asking price. Before opening the door to potential buyers the day of a showing, or at an open house, follow these seven tips from houzz.com:
1. Detach from the stuff.
To ease the selling process, embrace the idea that your house is a commodity that needs to be sold. Foyer tables, fireplace mantels and refrigerator doors are popular display spots for loads of personal items like holiday cards, children’s artwork, pictures and trophies. Pare down or clear off these spots for showings.
2. Make sure it looks clean.
Cleaning your home before it is shown sounds so obvious, but it is a common complaint. Don’t overlook little details like crumbs on the table from breakfast, toothpaste remnants in sinks, half-full trash cans on display and dust bunnies in rooms you don’t frequent.
3. Make sure it smells clean.
Diffuse cooking, pet and musty odors by airing out the home with open windows or air purifiers. Comforting smells, like baking bread or brewing coffee, can be appealing to most potential buyers. But beware of strong spray scents, candles or other products, and don't forget pet foods, toys, litter boxes and blankets may have distinct smells.
4. Remove sight-line impairments.
Artists, architects and designers are well versed in the simple trick of drawing the eye to something appealing, whether it’s a unique color, the next room or a special view. Eliminate items such as knickknacks, toys, small appliances and bath products that stop the eye, or worse, make spaces look smaller.
5. Improve traffic flow.
Walk through each room and determine if the furniture arrangement contributes to a comfortable flow and use of space. Too little furniture can be just as bad as too much. A tiny couch in a large family room might prompt buyers to worry they’ll never be able to furnish the whole space.
6. Create the “Goldilocks Effect.”
No matter what time of day or year, the home’s temperature, lighting and noise levels should be just right during an open house. Room temperatures should be not too hot and not too cold. Blinds, shades and drapes should be open, and lights should be on.
7. Be strategic about handouts and valuables.
Documents about the home, especially with attractive photos, should be readily accessible. However, whether it’s an invitation-only showing or a large opening for the masses, it’s important to safeguard valuables, personal information and sensitive items.
If you’re a seller who has been wondering if it might finally be time to sell, email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, and we can prepare a complimentary analysis of market value for you – you just may be pleasantly surprised.
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