Do you want to show your home or sell your home? Winning the beauty contest and the pricing war are 2 key elements in getting your home sold. You only get one chance to “WOW” the buyer so why not make it count? Here are a few tips to winning the beauty contest
1. Unclutter –If a house is cluttered, it feels smaller. Give the visual of more space by organizing and removing half the contents of closets and cabinets. This action creates a spacious, organized feel. When in doubt, throw it out! Other options are to give it away, store it or sell it. ***Follow the rule of 3’s (Any flat surface should only have 3 items on it. eg. blender, toaster and knife block…. nothing else!)
2. Clean – Show potential buyers that the home has been well cared for and has pride of ownership. Scrub walls, counters, floors and appliances. Bring the outdoors in with sparkling, clean windows. A scratch cover, wax, or stain/sealer will return the warmth and glow of natural wood. Be sure every room smells as clean as it looks. Use an odor neutralizer to clean away pet and cooking odors. You might jump start this process by initially hiring a professional cleaning service.
3. Repair – Making repairs before the home goes on the market can actually save the seller money, stress and negotiation. Consider a home inspection to eliminate buyers’ objections before they arise. Professionals can handle the complicated repairs while the seller can handle the others. A potential buyer who loves the home but thinks a lot of money will be needed to make repairs may make a low offer.
4. Neutralize – Create a home for many lifestyles and tastes. Neutral paint, décor and carpeting help buyers mentally and emotionally move in. Unusual colors or outdated decorating may make it difficult for buyers to imagine their furnishings in the house. Choose neutral, warm colors. Replace family photos with a few carefully chosen accessories. Some people are allergic to or afraid of animals; the seller should kennel the pets or take the pets out of the house during showings.
5. Dynamize – If buyers can imagine daily life in the house, the seller will build an essential emotional connection with them. Have the seller pretend to be a buyer and take a complete tour of the house from its curb appeal through the entire house. Evaluate the subtle message that each part of the home should convey. Then decide how to add elegance, style and grace. The seller wants to show the buyer how relaxing the home feels, the privacy it offers and the comforts of home that it portrays.
