- Clutter Elimination – Keep in mind that you want potential
buyers to notice the house itself and not your belongings. Items
such as newspapers, magazines, books, knick-knacks and children’s
toys should be boxed up and placed in storage. This will give your
home a more spacious and airy feel ~ a very appealing selling point
for potential buyers.
- Furniture Arrangement – Much like clutter elimination,
well placed furnishings can also open up a room. Avoid lining furniture
along all four walls ~ this only makes a room feel smaller. Try
placing a piece or two on an angle for interest. In the living
areas, include a spot for cozy conversation. If space allows, create
a tucked away corner for reading. If a room has a focal point such
as a fireplace or a bay window, arrange furnishings to enhance
this feature.
- Aromatherapy – Just like certain smells can trigger memories
years later, the scent of your home can leave a lasting impression
on a potential buyer. For this reason, you want to avoid cooking
smelly foods such as fish, liver, garlic, onions or anything fried
or spicy before showing your home. Pet smells can also be an issue
~ eliminate them as much as possible. If weather allows, open windows
and doors to let in some fresh air. During winter months, baking
a loaf of bread or some cookies can create an inviting fragrance.
And though you never want to over-perfume your home, you may want
to light a candle as a quick and aromatic remedy. Staying away
from overwhelming floral scents and sticking with a low key scent,
such as vanilla or lavender, is best.
- Lighting – Show your rooms in the best possible light…Natural!
If heavy drapes or curtains block the view, pull them aside and
let the light in. Light makes a room seem bright and cheery. On
that same note, make sure to thoroughly clean windows and screens,
inside and out. This can make a huge impact on the amount of light
coming into a room. If you have a room or two with dark walls or
no windows, leave a few lights on during showings. If overhead
lighting seems too stark, try just leaving a couple of lamps on
for drama.
- Material Considerations – Stained, dingy towels should
never be displayed in a sale home. Consider setting out guest towels
and soaps in the bathrooms. Throw rugs and carpets should also
be in good condition and, if they are not completely necessary,
they should be removed altogether to show the beauty of hardwoods
or a tiled floor. Never lay a rug over carpeting ~ buyers will
only wonder what stains you are hiding. Also, beds should always
be made and only with simple, fresh linens.
- Using Flora and Greenery – In spring and summer an outdoor
container garden or hanging planter is lush and appealing and can
add to a favorable first impression. A homes interior can benefit
from flowers and greenery as well. A simple seasonal market bouquet
can brighten up any room of the home and has a charming appeal.
- Clean! – There is nothing more attractive to a potential
buyer than a clean home. If you are not into cleaning yourself,
hire a professional. Pay particular attention to the cleanliness
of your homes entrance, kitchen and bath areas. Your home should
be as spotless as possible to make the best possible impression.
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