Getting Your House Ready For Sale
Sidewalk Appeal
Make sure that you have everything up to spec when prospective
purchasers take their first look, remember you only get one chance and
about 20 minutes to make a great first impression. Therefore, in order
to create that love at first sight in their minds you must, Plant
flowers, weed and edge the gardens. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges and
shrubs, as well as clean the driveway and sidewalks of dirt, leaves or
snow and water the lawn, well in advance of selling. Clean and repair
rain gutters and siding, and finally touch up the paint and clean out
the garage.
Next to Godliness
There is an old saying that I have referenced in the heading, and while
we cant be perfect we should always try to get a few things exactly
right for the purpose of showing our home. Make sure that the mirrors
are clean and make appliances sparkle. Wash or polish all floors clean
and freshen bathrooms. Clean/shampoo all the carpets and clean the
windows, walls, doors and trim.
Is There a Counter Under That?
Remember the last time you looked at your kids room and wondered what
colour the carpet was. Well lets not keep our prospective buyers
guessing. Clear all of your countertops and de-clutter all heavy
traffic areas. If it is possible, store your surplus furniture to
reduce feeling crowded. Put seasonal clothing into storage and clear
the halls and stairs of clutter. Make all closets neat & tidy and
only half-full, even if this means moving items to another storage
area. Touch up interior paint and paper, repair cracked plaster,
tighten door knobs and cupboard latches. Oil any squeaky doors, repair
leaky plumbing (taps, shower heads and toilets). Repair seals/caulking
around bathtub and sinks and replace burnt-out light bulbs or install
brighter bulbs. Remember the brighter your house the more inviting it
will be. And finally, clean the furnace and humidifier.
How To Put The Spotlight On Your Home
This is your homes debut for every prospective buyer that comes through
the door or drives up the driveway. So in order to best show your home
I suggest, turning on all lights, opening all the drapes in the daytime
and play quiet background music. Turn on air-conditioning or light the
fireplace. If you have them keep your pets outside during showings or,
better yet, at a friend's. No one loves your pets more than you and no
one knows them like you. Remember some people are allergic and or fear
dogs and cats. Have as few people in the house as possible. If you can,
be absent during any showings. Potential buyers often feel awkward and
rushed if they think they are inconveniencing the owner.
Summary
As unfair as it might be to your home, after only fifteen seconds most
buyers have already developed a perception of your property that will
colour their feelings for the rest of the showing and perhaps
dramatically affect their perceived value of the property. "You Never
Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression." The decision to buy a
house is an emotional choice and not solely based upon rational factors
such as price, location and accessibility to services. It is a search
for a place in which one will find comfort, security and happiness.
Emotions are set early, so it is important that minor, even typical,
nuisances such as an un-mowed lawn or a pile of boots by the door are
looked after.
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