Make Your Home Shine: Eight Tips to Instantly Attract Buyers
You want to sell your house quickly and at the best price, don’t you? That’s the goal of every seller, and your real estate agent. So here are eight quick tips to make a good first impression when selling your home.
- Apply the 50% rule. Take inventory of every flat surface in your home and remove at least 50% of the items on them. This applies to kitchen and bathroom countertops, desks, shelves, and dressers. Even if you use these items every day, store them out of sight. Only bring them out when you need them.
- Apply the 50% rule to your closets as well. If your closets overflow every time they’re opened, it won’t leave a good impression on buyers. A cluttered closet gives the impression that there isn’t enough storage space. Get rid of packing boxes, act as if you’re moving next week, and maximize every space. The buyer needs to know there’s enough room for their belongings.
- Remove personal traces. When a buyer enters your front door, they should be able to imagine living in your home. This won’t be possible if the walls are covered in family photos and the refrigerator door is covered in children’s drawings. Put those items aside and let the buyer envision their own decor.
- Emphasize lighting. Walk through your home after dark and on cloudy days. Does it look bright, cheerful, and welcoming? Start by installing brighter bulbs to illuminate dark corners. Check for any burned-out bulbs. Also, consider outdoor and porch lighting.
- Invest in the kitchen and bathrooms. Real estate agents and builders will tell you that money spent on the kitchen and bathrooms is money well spent. Focus your renovation and refresh efforts on these rooms before selling. If your bathroom vanities look outdated, a coat of glossy paint in a modern color can work wonders. Add drawer handles to kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Replace faucets with brushed nickel or bronze models. Stainless steel appliances will also give a “wow” effect to your kitchen.
- Offer a fresh coat of paint. Consider painting interior walls as part of your refresh plan. Ceilings should remain white to give the illusion of larger rooms. However, avoid painting your walls white and opt for neutral and warm colors like pale yellow, blush beige, or taupe. White walls can feel cold, even in a contemporary home. You want to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
- Watch out for hidden issues. Often, it’s the unseen problems that cause the most trouble. Be attentive to problems that aren’t immediately apparent. If the storage space under your stairs smells musty, air it out and add a deodorizer. Look for signs of mold or mildew. Check the exterior of your home for signs of termites or other pests. Make sure there are no leaking faucets or leaks under the sink. And ensure that your smoke detectors are working properly.
- Add an unexpected touch. On your first open house day, try to engage all of the buyer’s senses. Place a few fresh flowers or plants (orchids are an affordable and long-lasting option). Avoid candles, which can be a fire hazard. Instead, use essential oils with captivating scents to create a pleasant ambiance. Lavender is relaxing, rosemary is invigorating, and jasmine enhances mood. Citrus always offers a feeling of freshness and cleanliness. And if you really want to treat your visitors, prepare chocolate chip cookies, and leave them on the counter. But avoid smells of onions or last night’s fish dinner.
“Are you ready to sell your home quickly and at the best price? Look no further! Discover our foolproof tips to make your home shine and attract potential buyers in the blink of an eye. Fill out the form below and get free access to our exclusive blog article, filled with tips and strategies for selling your home in a record time. Don’t let your home stay on the market for too long, take action now and make it shine!”
