When the time comes to sell your home, you only have one chance to make a first impression. By paying attention to the following details, you can ensure your home is being presented in the best possible light.
The exterior appearance of your home is extremely important. An inviting exterior will attract buyers and encourage them to visit the inside of your home. Your lawn should be well maintained and if selling during the winter months, keep some photos of your lawn handy so that visitors can see what it looks like during the summer. Attention to detail is essential, so clean windows and a tidy front walkway, will make a big difference as they approach the inside of the home.
Inside, neatness is key. Clean your home from top to bottom and get rid of all unnecessary items. Remove any old furniture that is obstructing the hallways or cluttering up the rooms. Clear out any open spaces so that visitors don’t feel cramped.
Does the home need a fresh coat of paint? Newly painted properties often sell for more. Remember that dark colours can be detrimental to a sale. Instead, choose brighter, more appealing neutral tones. Your carpet’s appearance can also be a determining factor. If you can’t replace your carpeting, having it cleaned will help give the rooms a refreshing new look.
The kitchen and bathrooms must be immaculate. Take the time to clean all appliances and faucets, as well as the bathtub, toilet and sink. Unclutter the counters and don’t leave any dirty dishes in the sink or towels around the tub. Give buyers a chance to visualize all storage possibilities.
Throughout your home, fix leaky taps, defective door handles, as well as drawers and cupboard doors that don’t close properly. Replace burnt light bulbs and yellowed switch plates. Most of these minor repairs are relatively inexpensive and will help visitors form a positive opinion of your home.
Your home must be well lit. During the day, keep the curtains open and turn lamps on in the evening. If necessary, add lamps in dark corners to create soft lighting and a cozy atmosphere. Make sure your home is well-ventilated so that visitors aren’t turned off by strong odours such as incense or spicy foods.
To go that little extra mile, you might consider switching on some soft music, turning any fireplaces on, and be sure to leave potential buyers and their brokers plenty of time before returning home so they can speak openly without feeling rushed. This may be your only chance to make a great first impression so we like to make it count!