Before I come over to list your property, some think it is best to "tidy up" a bit. That's fine. You have to do what you have to do. But usually I am there to look through the clutter and figure out pricing and how to best market your home.
When we decide to move forward, it is extremely important to show your home's true potential. Not only what is but also what could be.
Regardless of the listing price whether it be $100,000 or ten million, here are 7 simple spruce up items you can do to help me show your home in the best light and make it attractive to potential buyers. Some are easy do it yourself projects and others may require professionals. Either way these items are well worth the effort and will help me help you get top dollar for your investment.
Let's start with the easiest and less costly and work our way up--
1) De-clutter and de-personalize–
Less is more and it doesn't cost a thing! Remove religious items, family photos, gadgets and knickknacks. You want your buyer to remember your house, not the wall of photos from your vacation in North Carolina.
2) Clean it up – I know you are busy, but grab the vacuum and the glass cleaner and get rid of those dust balls and smudgy windows. People do not want to envision themselves living in a dirty home.
3) Change out the hardware – Are your handles on your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors dated? The most important piece of hardware is your front door handle. Make sure it looks good. Remember, a good first impression is priceless.it. Changing the hardware is a simple and cost effective way to modernize your space, making it look fresh and new.
4) Lights- Remove your old and tired light fixtures. Take a look at your cover plates. If they look outdated or stand out (in a bad way) change them out. Cover plates are cheap to replace yet make a huge difference in the appearance of a room. Oh and please do not have any burnt out bulbs. This is a pet peeve of MichaelGonickRealtor! I seriously think that subconsciously buyers decide not to buy homes that have a burnt out bulb anywhere in sight!
5) Paint – Freshen up the interior of your home with a new coat of paint. New paint smells great! Remember, neutral colors are best because they will make your rooms appear larger and will allow the buyer to envision their own furniture in the space.
6) Upgrade flooring – Now this depends on budget but if you can, replace old carpet with new or better yet...hardwood floors. If hardwood is way out of your budget, maybe tile or a good quality laminate will work (do me a favor and show me the laminate before you lay it!).
7) Kitchen Upgrades – The most important room in a home to many is the kitchen. If it’s not in your budget to do a total remodel, then consider replacing old appliances with stainless steel if appropriate. Appliances that look consistent will help make your home look uniform.
It is still a buyer's market, and you only have one chance to make a great impression. Do what you can to put your best foot forward and you will reap the rewards.
Hope this helps! If you have any questions, or if I can help in anyway....I am here for you.
Oh and if you have a friend that might like this sort of thing....send them to MichaelGonickRealtor!
Image above is one of my gorgeous listings.
1691 Palm Avenue in Winter Park
Home by Phil Kean
Filed Under
Articles by Michael Gonick,
preparation for sale,
sellers
Brad on September 27, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Very useful info. Thanks!