Dress Your House To Sell
As you prepare a house for sale or rent, here are some basics for making sure you get the best response from prospects.
Your objective is to make the home as attractive as possible while investing the least amount of cash. House buying is often an emotional decision. People decide to buy a house because they fall in love with it. In many cases, you just have to make sure they don’t have a reason to dislike the house.
Here are some ideas for houses you are selling or renting. You want to present your best either way.
Spic-and-Span Sells. Make sure everything is clean and bright.
Paint it. Fresh paint does wonders for any room. Sometimes you can get by with a touch-up, but a complete paint job will definitely make everything like new. You even get the added benefit of a new smelling home when walls are freshly painted. Be sure to use bright but neutral colors. We use a light tan satin paint for walls and bright white semi-gloss for all the trim.
Clean the carpet. A complete professional cleaning is an inexpensive way to freshen any carpet. If it’s not in good shape, don’t hesitate to replace it. New carpet is worth every penny when you are showing a home. Again, choose a neutral color that’s not too dark. Tan is usually a good choice.
Seriously consider replacing worn appliances. You can usually replace a stove and dishwasher for $500 or less if you find a floor model or scratch and dent discount. New or “like new” appliances make a big impact on kitchen appeal.
Replace outdated kitchen and bathroom faucets. This will quickly upgrade the room.
New commode seats are a must. They are a quick and inexpensive way to make things bright and clean. Get the $7 white ones made of wood. They look great.
Replace light switches and wall plugs. TURN THE POWER OFF FIRST! New switches and plugs don’t cost much, and they instantly brighten any room.
Replace outdated light fixtures. Old light fixtures can quickly age a house. You don’t have to put in expensive fixtures, just new ones to replace dusty and rusty ones.
While you’re at it, put new light bulbs in every fixture, in every socket. Choose the highest wattage that can safely be used and don’t leave any socket unused. Your goal is to keep things bright. Even in broad daylight, I turn on every light in the house during a showing.
Ceiling fans are a good investment. Get inexpensive ones and put them in every bedroom. Have them spinning on low while prospects are looking. There’s something welcoming and relaxing about a slowly spinning ceiling fan.
Remove old and outdated window treatments or damaged blinds. Replace them with new, inexpensive mini-blinds.
Take a good look at your house from the street. Does it measure up to the other homes in the neighborhood? It really should look better than many of its neighbors. Do some inexpensive landscaping by adding flowers, bushes and some mulch. The yard should be clean and well maintained. Trim shrubs and trees, and keep the grass cut and trimmed.
Check the house numbers on the home and on the mailbox. A prospect will certainly look at the street number, so make sure it conveys the quality of the home.
No shutters? Add some! Installing shutters on a home is like putting hubcaps on a used car. The cost is minimal, but the curb appeal is powerful.
Visit new subdivisions and open houses in your area, especially model homes. You’ll get some good ideas for presenting your home. Some Realtors put small signs up throughout the house noting special features like: Energy Saving Heat Pump, New Water Heater Installed 2004, or Refrigerator Remains With Home. This is a great way to point out features.
Another idea we got at an open house was to set the dining table with nice plates, glasses and cloth napkins. That’s great if furniture is still in the home. We also recommend that you play classical music on the stereo. Remember, most people are “moving up” to their new home, so make them feel like they are really upgrading.
And for some finishing touches, put a vase of fresh flowers on the counter, some candles on the mantle, and some fresh hand towels in the bathroom.
Finally, put a brand new doormat at the front door. You can pick one up for less than $10. I like the ones that actually say, “Welcome.”
Always remember that your tastes may be different from your potential buyer’s. They are making a very personal decision. By paying attention to small details, you can make a big difference in their perception. Make sure the home is inviting enough for them to want to make it their own.
Blake Watson is an active real estate investor and coach with Lucky 7 Seminars.
Tags: dress, Real Estate, sell
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