Your home is days away from being posted on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and you are excited about upcoming showings! A little effort and time preparing for a scheduled showing can help tremendously in getting your property sold! So, where do you start? First, it's wise to begin outside and simulate potential buyers' walk-through. Keep in mind the importance of a buyer's first impression. Generally, the following 10 Tips will help your home show beautifully and sell quicker!
Check the Exterior/Curb Appeal
As mentioned above, first impressions are vital for a prospective buyer looking at a home. The first impression that a buyer will gather of a home is the exterior and the home's "curb appeal." Depending on the season, ensure the lawn is freshly cut, leaves racked, or driveway shoveled. Ensure that toys and lawn equipment are out of sight. In addition, if you have pets, please pick up after them.
Check for Clutter
One of the most noticeable things to a prospective buyer is clutter. Some areas that often collect clutter are stairs, entryways, and closets. Clear these areas and make sure that all shoes, coats, hats, and mail are out of sight.
Check the Kitchen
Take a look at the kitchen. Clear the countertops, and the sink is clear. Wipe down the kitchen appliances every night during your listing period. That way, the kitchen is ready for the next day. Some buyers have a challenging time looking past "personal" belongings. The exterior of the refrigerator should have nothing on it. Make sure that the kitchen floor is also clean.
Check the Bathroom
The bathroom and kitchen have similar tasks. Check the vanity top and floors to ensure they are clear from clutter and personal items. Most prospective buyers will look inside the tub and behind shower curtains. A dirty tub or shower is not pleasant. Organize the linen closet, cabinets, and drawers are decluttered and neat. A clean bathroom appearance can go a long way with a potential buyer.
Check the Bedrooms
Bedrooms can be a deal breaker for a buyer. There are a few things to inspect before a showing. First, are the beds made and decorated with pillows and a throw? A messy and unmade bed is often a negative impression on a prospective buyer. Place all personals and valuables in a safe space. While it is uncommon for personal belonging to be missing after a showing, it certainly can happen. Make sure any personal belongings and valuables are stored in a secure location or removed during a showing. A prospective buyer will almost always open the closets in the bedroom. They want to see how much storage room they will have for their "stuff." An unorganized and messy closet will take away from the actual space of the closets!
Check the Floors
If there are carpeted rooms, ensure they are vacuumed and free from stains. Vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping is another good thing to do before bed.
Check the Windows
Please make sure the blinds and drapes are clean but also that they are functioning. A buyer is often concerned with the quality of the windows in a potential home and will inspect them. So make sure the windows are clean and sparkling! If the weather allows, crack a window to let some nice refreshing air flow through the home.
Check the Temperature
No matter the time of year, ensure your home's temperature is comfortable. While it's hot outside, set the thermostat between 70-74 degrees. You want the buyer to feel instant relief from the heat once they enter your home. While it's cold out, set the thermostat to 72-76 degrees. Again, you want the buyer to feel they are entering a lovely warm, and cozy home.
Check for Odors
A foul odor in a home may be the most significant turn-off for a potential buyer. Like the importance of replacing or cleaning the carpet before listing a house, if possible, it can be beneficial to remove odors before listing. Commonly, a buyer who walks into a home with an overwhelming smell will turn back around and walk out of the home. Make sure to check for odors, whether it's an odor from pets, smoking, cooking, or others! Often it is a good idea to have an opinion from a person who is not living in the home. Homeowners often become "immune" to odors within their own homes.
On the other hand, the overuse of candles, air fresheners, and different scents in the home can also be overwhelming and make a potential buyer think that something is being covered up. Dont overdo it!
Set the Mood
Crack or open the blinds and turn on every light in the home. The kitchen can be a good source of pleasant smells. Before the showing, brew a fresh pot of coffee or bake a new batch of cookies so that the aroma permeates the home. Boiling cinnamon sticks can provide a pleasant scent as well! Next, turning on the radio or TV and setting it to a classical or jazz music station is also an excellent way to develop a feeling of comfort and "stay...look around".
Preparing for a showing the correct way can significantly affect whether a home sells or not and the time it takes for the sale. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
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