Home Selling Advice to Help You Attract Potential Buyers
Curb Appeal Exercise
By Janet Wickell for About.com
The next time you come home, stop across the street or far enough down the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings.
What is your first impression of the house and yard area?
What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them?
What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?
Park where a potential buyer would and walk towards the house, looking around you as if it were your first visit. Is the approach clean and tidy? What could you do to make it more attractive?
Take photos of the home's exterior. If you have a digital camera, view the color versions first, then remove the color and look at it in black and white, because it's easier to see problems when color isn't around to affect our senses.
Make a list of the problem areas you discovered. Tackle clean up and repair chores first, then put some time into projects that make the grounds more attractive.
Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.
Clean windows and gutters.
Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.
Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.
Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.
Showing posts with label SELL your home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SELL your home. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Enhancing Your Landscape To Sell Your Home - Now or Later
Enhancing Your Landscape To Sell Your Home - Now or Later
By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide to Gardening since 2004
The housing market has been a bit of a free-for-all lately. If you were hoping to sell and now find yourself facing a dwindling market, you’ve probably gotten lots of advice on how to make your house more attractive to prospective buyers. Well don’t forget the outside of your home, since that’s the first thing buyers will see. Many of the same principles apply outdoors as in. Clear away clutter and toys, repair cracks, keep things clean... About’s Guide to Landscaping has a few more tips on Enhancing Real Estate Value Through Home Landscaping.
As gardeners, we might think that our landscapes would be the envy of every on-looker. In reality many buyers are intimidated by large gardens, which they view as high maintenance. David has some interesting insights that even those of us not yet ready to sell should take into account. Like choosing dwarf trees instead of majestic beauties, when pruning is likely to become an issue. Of course, you could always take your plants with you when you move. I’ve known people to do it.
By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide to Gardening since 2004
The housing market has been a bit of a free-for-all lately. If you were hoping to sell and now find yourself facing a dwindling market, you’ve probably gotten lots of advice on how to make your house more attractive to prospective buyers. Well don’t forget the outside of your home, since that’s the first thing buyers will see. Many of the same principles apply outdoors as in. Clear away clutter and toys, repair cracks, keep things clean... About’s Guide to Landscaping has a few more tips on Enhancing Real Estate Value Through Home Landscaping.
As gardeners, we might think that our landscapes would be the envy of every on-looker. In reality many buyers are intimidated by large gardens, which they view as high maintenance. David has some interesting insights that even those of us not yet ready to sell should take into account. Like choosing dwarf trees instead of majestic beauties, when pruning is likely to become an issue. Of course, you could always take your plants with you when you move. I’ve known people to do it.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Staging Your Home to SELL -- Part 2
Some Specifics
"Curb appeal." They say you can only make one "first impression," and people usually form their first impression within 30 seconds. What potential buyers see when they drive up to your house will be their first impression. This is a good place to spend a little extra time and money. Plant flowers, trim bushes, weed, pick up leaves, repaint your front door, replace tarnished house numbers or a dented mailbox, get a brand-new neutral doormat, park your old car somewhere else.
The entrance. The first glimpse inside your home should give potential buyers positive, uplifting feelings. Make your entryway as light and bright as possible. Leave all the lights in the house on. (Have you noticed that model homes do this?) Get rid of all area rugs. (Even authentic, high-quality carpets should normally be removed since they break up the expanse of floor space, making rooms look smaller.) Limit your cooking to very plain foods so odors don't linger. (No cabbage, garlic, or onions!) On the other hand, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie smells are just fine! (They evoke a homey feeling for almost everyone.)
Kitchen. Kitchens sell homes, so the importance of making your kitchen appealing can't be underestimated. Clean and de-clutter! Anything taking up counter or floor space must go (the only exception would be the types of designer touches seen in model homes). Anything displayed on the refrigerator must go. If your cabinets are old, consider resurfacing them. If your counter knobs are old or out-of-date, replacing them can be a relatively inexpensive "facelift." Get a woodtone touchup stick from your home supply store and fill in any nicks and scratches. Shelves and pantries must appear orderly and very spacious. Put those extra items in your newly rented storage unit or give them away!
Bathrooms. Again, clean and de-clutter! You absolutely must get rid of any mildew/mold. If you have a glass shower door, squeegee it after every shower. A mold-and-mildew remover and a soap scum remover can work wonders. Glass cleaning products do a good job of cleaning windows and mirrors (but be careful if you have brass fixtures since ammonia will cause these to pit). Do not display any personal toiletry items! Remove all deodorant, mouthwash, electric toothbrushes, etc. and put them in your cabinet. (Model homes never, ever display such items!) Pick up all bath mats/rugs. Keep your soap dishes pristine. If you have bars of hand soap, they should look new. Get a new set of high-quality, neutral, fluffy towels and display them. (Model homes always do this!)
Rest of the House. Clean, repair, de-clutter, and de-personalize! You're going for that Executive but neutral look, since almost everyone can "see themselves" in a home like that.
Remove those knickknacks!
Remove enough items from your closet so you can hang a garment without touching the garment next to it - - this could be difficult. (Extra and out-of-season clothes go to your newly rented storage unit.)
Remove area rugs
Remove throw blankets
Remove throw pillows (or replace with "designer" pillows)
If your houseplants are anemic, remove them. Replace with high-quality silk plants or healthy houseplants in brass, wicker, or plain ceramic containers.
Take a hard look at your carpets. Are they stained or worn? Replacing carpets is often an excellent investment because it gives your home that "new" look that everyone wants. (Buyers have notoriously poor imaginations, so replacing existing carpet with neutral carpet is usually a much better idea than offering a "carpet allowance.")
Leave all the lights on (No burned-out lightbulbs!)
Keep wastebaskets empty
If possible, send your pets to stay with family or friends. As much as we love our pets, they can be a major negative distraction to potential buyers.
Leave your home before potential buyers arrive
"Curb appeal." They say you can only make one "first impression," and people usually form their first impression within 30 seconds. What potential buyers see when they drive up to your house will be their first impression. This is a good place to spend a little extra time and money. Plant flowers, trim bushes, weed, pick up leaves, repaint your front door, replace tarnished house numbers or a dented mailbox, get a brand-new neutral doormat, park your old car somewhere else.
The entrance. The first glimpse inside your home should give potential buyers positive, uplifting feelings. Make your entryway as light and bright as possible. Leave all the lights in the house on. (Have you noticed that model homes do this?) Get rid of all area rugs. (Even authentic, high-quality carpets should normally be removed since they break up the expanse of floor space, making rooms look smaller.) Limit your cooking to very plain foods so odors don't linger. (No cabbage, garlic, or onions!) On the other hand, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie smells are just fine! (They evoke a homey feeling for almost everyone.)
Kitchen. Kitchens sell homes, so the importance of making your kitchen appealing can't be underestimated. Clean and de-clutter! Anything taking up counter or floor space must go (the only exception would be the types of designer touches seen in model homes). Anything displayed on the refrigerator must go. If your cabinets are old, consider resurfacing them. If your counter knobs are old or out-of-date, replacing them can be a relatively inexpensive "facelift." Get a woodtone touchup stick from your home supply store and fill in any nicks and scratches. Shelves and pantries must appear orderly and very spacious. Put those extra items in your newly rented storage unit or give them away!
Bathrooms. Again, clean and de-clutter! You absolutely must get rid of any mildew/mold. If you have a glass shower door, squeegee it after every shower. A mold-and-mildew remover and a soap scum remover can work wonders. Glass cleaning products do a good job of cleaning windows and mirrors (but be careful if you have brass fixtures since ammonia will cause these to pit). Do not display any personal toiletry items! Remove all deodorant, mouthwash, electric toothbrushes, etc. and put them in your cabinet. (Model homes never, ever display such items!) Pick up all bath mats/rugs. Keep your soap dishes pristine. If you have bars of hand soap, they should look new. Get a new set of high-quality, neutral, fluffy towels and display them. (Model homes always do this!)
Rest of the House. Clean, repair, de-clutter, and de-personalize! You're going for that Executive but neutral look, since almost everyone can "see themselves" in a home like that.
Remove those knickknacks!
Remove enough items from your closet so you can hang a garment without touching the garment next to it - - this could be difficult. (Extra and out-of-season clothes go to your newly rented storage unit.)
Remove area rugs
Remove throw blankets
Remove throw pillows (or replace with "designer" pillows)
If your houseplants are anemic, remove them. Replace with high-quality silk plants or healthy houseplants in brass, wicker, or plain ceramic containers.
Take a hard look at your carpets. Are they stained or worn? Replacing carpets is often an excellent investment because it gives your home that "new" look that everyone wants. (Buyers have notoriously poor imaginations, so replacing existing carpet with neutral carpet is usually a much better idea than offering a "carpet allowance.")
Leave all the lights on (No burned-out lightbulbs!)
Keep wastebaskets empty
If possible, send your pets to stay with family or friends. As much as we love our pets, they can be a major negative distraction to potential buyers.
Leave your home before potential buyers arrive
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Staging Your Home to SELL
Want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar? "Staging" can help. "Staging" is presenting your home in its best and most appealing light to the majority of home-buyers.
In theory, "staging" isn't hard or costly, but in reality, many homeowners find it difficult because it's often hard to see something objectively when we love it.
An easy way to see effectively "staged" homes is to visit decorated models. Decorating a model is expensive, but builders are willing to invest the cost because they understand just how well a "staged" home sells. You too can profit from this knowledge.
Basic Staging Rules
#1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is usually only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too.
#2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea.
#3 - Eliminate Clutter. The "50% Rule" requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter - - it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn't sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free layout, while "cheap" stores are often a jumble of merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus the elimination of clutter.
#4 - Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It's a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you've just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest.
#5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won't be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot "imagine" your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to "see" themselves in it.
In theory, "staging" isn't hard or costly, but in reality, many homeowners find it difficult because it's often hard to see something objectively when we love it.
An easy way to see effectively "staged" homes is to visit decorated models. Decorating a model is expensive, but builders are willing to invest the cost because they understand just how well a "staged" home sells. You too can profit from this knowledge.
Basic Staging Rules
#1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is usually only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too.
#2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea.
#3 - Eliminate Clutter. The "50% Rule" requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter - - it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn't sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free layout, while "cheap" stores are often a jumble of merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus the elimination of clutter.
#4 - Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It's a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you've just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest.
#5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won't be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot "imagine" your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to "see" themselves in it.
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