Showing your home to prospective buyers is more than just opening the front door. Carefully staging your home to sell, so buyers can see themselves living in your home will help you unload your property quickly. Clearing and cleaning your home inside and out are essential steps. To help you hand over the house keys to the next home owner quickly, fold the following steps into your home selling strategy.
De-personalize. Prospective home buyers want to see themselves in your home. Help buyers visualize a living space they want to embrace by removing personal items, such as artwork, family photos and other mementos, to create the illusion of a blank canvas. If you’re willing to take an extra step, painting bold or patterned walls a neutral color invites the future home owner to make the space their own.
Declutter. Store items such as papers, clothes and knickknacks. Too much clutter may cause potential buyers to perceive your home as small and they may consider purchasing another property. Remember, when buyers walk through your home, nothing is off limits. Curious home buyers will open closets and explore all areas of your home so make sure everything is neat and tidy.
Spruce up your interior. If you’ve been putting off chores like window washing or degreasing your kitchen appliances, now is the best time to tackle a deep clean. Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most scrutinized rooms for potential buyers. Dust, dirt and mildew are turn offs for buyers. Smells matter too. The night before a showing take out the trash and empty the kitty litter box. Take extra steps to manage odors, re-caulk tubs, polish faucets and hang fresh bathroom towels.
Enhance your curb appeal. First impressions of your home are key. Some buyers won’t leave the driveway if your home has a messy yard and dirty exterior. A well-trimmed lawn and sidewalk or steps that have been swept adds shine. If you’re willing to give your home’s exterior more attention, put a fresh coat of paint to your front door and add a new welcome mat.
Make small repairs. Minor improvements to your home can make a major difference in getting your home off the market quickly. Do you have loose drawer handles, broken light bulbs or squeaky doors? Future home owners tend to be wary if your home doesn’t seem functional. Other small repairs to be mindful of while fixing things around your home include replacing cracked or broken tile and patching up any holes in the wall.
To learn more about how to get your home ready to sell, contact a member of the Lakeland Builders Association, www.lakelandba.com or a member of the Lakes Area Realtors Association, www.lakesrealtors.com.
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