Love this home and live in Southern California? This home’s for sale. All images courtesy of The Cindee & Michael Group. http://www.zillow.com/profile/cindeemichaelgroup/
1. Make a Good First Impression
Is your home on the market? If so, here are some important steps that will sell your home silently. You’ve heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” It’s even truer when potential buyers are walking up to what you want them to envision as their new front door. Cheery flowers, shrubs and maybe a wreath at the door says, “Welcome. Come on in.” Why not add a mat that suits the season? And while you’re outside, your mailbox needs a little touch up paint. Just saying.
Once inside, lead them into a home that they can’t resist with a foyer or entry that makes them want to see what’s beyond this room. Put a chair or bench with a side table or console. Place a flower or lush plant there and let the potential new home owner imagine their keys on that table.
2. Storage is Your Friend.
Consider renting a storage space to hide the treasures that you may love, but the clutter that buyers see. Buyers want to imagine your home as their home in the future, not you living there now. Do you know why model homes look great? Aside from being beautifully staged, (not a bad idea by the way) most of the extras in life are not in those homes yet. You’re moving anyway. So get rid of about a third of your things to make your house or condo look roomier. Family photos, extensive collections, and especially piles of paper all need to be somewhere else while your home is on the market. Clutter control is one of the most important steps that will sell your home.
3. Repair or Replace
Leaky faucets that you don’t hear anymore can be a quick fix for the new homeowner. “But what else am I going to have fix?” is what they think when you neglect small repairs. Fix it now. Replace that carpet with the dog markings on it that you have walked by for the last couple of years and was going to replace someday. Doorknobs, yucky shower curtains, and blinds with slats missing are not going to show your home in its best light.
4. Man’s Best Friend is Not for Everyone.
Not everyone wants to have had a dog or cat living in the space that they have occupied. Besides, if they do want that, their pooch is so much cleaner than anyone else’s could possibly be. They can’t imagine what yours has done or where it’s done it. You get the picture. Consider Doggie/Kitty Day Care. Or ask a friend or relative to babysit your pet anytime you are out of the house. Or take Fido or Tiger with you. You never know when a last minute showing is going to happen.
5. Paint, Paint, and While You’re At It, Paint.
A fresh coat of paint can update your neutrals to the new neutrals. The gray, beige, or greige of the moment are the colors trending trending with Millennials who will be in the home shopping market in the next few years. Appeal to that market’s sensibilities. Hint: It’s anything that doesn’t remind them of Mom’s taste. Clean, fresh, color in paints (whether neutral or accent) says that your home is move-in ready. Painting is a sure fire way to up the ante when taking steps that sell your home.
Well, look here. Your moving van has arrived. Good job prepping for your real estate agent. Now all that’s left is to load it. And, unload at your new home.
If you love this home, you will love Mary Etta Designs. Call 714-974-6571 for a consultation. Or send me your request for consultation from my website. www.maryettadesigns.com
