Depersonalizing
Depersonalizing allows buyers to imagine the house as their own. Remove personal items like family photos, trophies, anf personal knick-knacks. Even decorative elements like "Bless this House" should be removed, as it doesn’t interfere with visualizing their own style.
Clutter Removal
Buyers will open cabinets, drawers, closets and more. To make the home look more inviting, you'll want to reduce excess. Consider clearing out your kitchen, pantry, and cupboards. Remove any hidden trash or items that don't contribute to the home’s overall appeal. Clean your appliances or even replace them.
Box up extra clothes, shoes, and accessories that haven’t been used in a while. Not only will this help your closets appear larger, but it also shows that your home has ample storage space. Reducing the amount of furniture in rooms can make the space look bigger and more open. Visit model homes for ideas of how to place pieces to make the most of the room.
Clean and organized storage areas such as basements, attics, garages, and sheds can significantly enhance your home’s appeal.
Plumbing and Fixtures
Inspect all plumbing fixtures to ensure they function properly. Check faucets for leaks, and make sure they turn easily. Check pipes underneath sinks for leaks or signs of water damage. Polish the fixtures to make them shine.
Walls, Ceilings, and Painting
Inspect the walls and ceilings for any stains or imperfections. Old leaks might still have marks even after repairs. Be sure to address issues before listing the home. Light switches can accumulate grime, so give them a good cleaning with a toothbrush.
One of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home is by applying a new coat of paint. Neutral colors like beige, cream, or ivory work best, as they allow potential buyers to imagine their own color schemes. Avoid using stark white, as it can sometimes appear too cold and impersonal. Gray is trendy, but difficult to get the right shade.
Carpet and Flooring
Your carpets should be cleaned thoroughly to remove dirt and odors. If the carpet is visibly worn or outdated, replace it. Choose an affordable, neutral color. One trick to make inexpensive carpet feel more luxurious is to invest in a high-quality, thick carpet pad. If your home has hardwood floors, make necessary repairs and polish them to restore their natural shine. Carbona makes a great “floor polish” product for this.
Windows and Doors
Ensure that all windows, doors, and drawers are functioning smoothly. Apply a bit of WD-40 to squeaky hinges, and check for cracked or broken windowpanes. A clean set of windows not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also lets in more natural light, making the space, feels brighter and more inviting.
Odor Control
If you smoke indoors, limit smoking while the house is on the market. You may need to use specialized odor-removal products such as ozone spray to eliminate any lingering smells. Pet odors, which you may be accustomed to, can be very noticeable to others - keep pet areas clean. Use carpet fresheners to keep things smelling fresh. Additionally, avoid cooking odors like garlic, seafood, or cabbage.
Exterior Curb Appeal
The first impression of your home comes from the exterior. Take a walk across the street to get an objective view of your home’s appearance. Compare it to neighboring properties; you want your house to stand out for the right reasons.
Landscaping
Your outdoors should be neat and well-maintained. If possible, plant blooming colorful flowers. Your lawn should be evenly cut, freshly edged, well-watered, and free of brown spots. Problems with your lawn? Take care of them first, because certain areas may need to be re-sod, grow and blend in. Give fertilizer enough time to be effective. Always rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.
House Exterior
When looking at your home from the street, consider whether it looks faded or tired. A fresh coat of paint is a wise investment, as it can dramatically improve the home’s appeal. Choose a color that fits with the surrounding homes - yellow tones often receive positive reactions from buyers, whether as the main color or in trim. Inspect the roof and be honest about its condition. If it's old or damaged, replacing it before listing is often the best option. If you don’t, you are going to have to disclose it. Get a pre-listing inspection so you have an idea of the roof’s status and can disclose that to your potential buyers. This advice alone can save you thousands!
Backyard and Outdoor Spaces
The backyard and any terraces should be clean and neat, with any outdoor furniture looking well-maintained. If you have a pool or spa, make sure it’s properly cleaned and maintained. Dog owners should be diligent about picking up after their pets and keeping the yard clear of any mess.
Front Door and Entryway
Your front door is the invitation into the house. Repaint if needed. Bold colors like black or red are often seen as welcoming and inviting. Polish the door’s fixtures. Remove personal items like plaques, nameplates, or doormats, as they can detract from the home’s universal appeal. When a homebuyer comes to visit your home, the agent uses the key from the lock box to unlock the door. Make sure the lock works easily.
Author’s Advice
The key is to be thorough and focused. Take it one room at a time and don't hesitate to seek professional help, Don’t just clean up—be ruthless in your approach to ensure your home is as appealing as possible to potential buyers.
Rebecca Diamond has been the leading local realtor for decades, and she specializes in high-value luxury homes. “She negotiated like a pit bull, was extraordinarily quick to respond, knew the market inside and out, and kept us informed throughout. We are positively ecstatic.” – Cecilia Mackenzie
MainLineHomeTeam.com