9 Simple tips to help your home show better
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
While that may or may not be true of meeting new people, it’s definitely true of selling your home.
Even in today’s seller's market, there are some basic and simple things that you really should do in order to make the most of any potential opportunities that come knocking on your door.
Here are nine easy ideas to try when you’re ready to start showing your home.
- De-personalize: We all know that you have a beautiful family and talented youngsters in your midst, but the fact is, buyers don’t want to feel like their stepping into someone else’s life. They want to picture their own reunions and beautiful grandkids. So, take down your treasured heirlooms and albums for now and avoid having house-hunters be distracted by your family’s awesomeness.
- Improve your curb appeal: The first part of that first impression is the approach to your home. If your porch paint is peeling, the grass is overgrown and driveway is cluttered, people may just drive on past without bothering to set foot inside. Take a little time to tidy, power wash and paint. Invest in some flowers and a new doormat and get them feeling warm fuzzies before they step across the threshold.
- Fake more storage: You know how when you were a kid and your mom said to clean your room and you’d shove everything in the closet? Don’t DO that! Storage space is important, so create a look of more space by emptying your closets. Rent storage elsewhere, if necessary. You should try to have 20 to 30 percent open space in your closets before holding showings.
- Let the sun shine in: Nothing beats natural light. Not only does it flatter any area, it also creates a sense of openness that gives the illusion of a larger room. So, open those curtains and clean those windows!
- Appeal to the senses: Use comfy textures, chemical-free smells and relaxing sounds to create a nice atmosphere. A soothing fountain, cozy blankets and pillows and fresh-brewed coffee will do the trick. Avoid going overboard with scented candles and schmaltzy music.
- Fix the quick fixes: Tighten that doorknob you’ve been avoiding. Paint the baseboard and cover scuff marks. Check for drippy faucets and re-caulk the tub. All those little things can start to add up, and people don’t want to think about a long to-do list when they have just got over a big move.
- Focus on the bathroom and kitchen: Kitchens and main bathrooms see a lot of traffic and get a lot of attention from potential buyers. If you’re going to focus on one or two areas, these are them. Now is not the time to do a reno, but some paint and new light fixtures are relatively inexpensive and easy.
- Rearrange your furniture: If your room is small, pull the furniture away from the walls to give a more spacious look. Consider putting a piece or two in storage. That recliner may be comfy, but it’s big! In living rooms, symmetrical arrangements (two lamps, two chairs, etc.) can be appealing to the eye.
- Clean, clean, clean: Most importantly, you should have a clean, tidy home. Reduce clutter and put a shine on everything you can. Do it yourself or bring in the pros, and then keep it that way. It truly will pay off in the end.
More questions about selling or buying in or out of the Comox Valley? Get in touch! And make sure to visit my website or my Facebook page to see all the latest listings.
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