Both! Marketing your home is just as a merchandiser would market a product using special packaging. You wouldn’t buy a product that doesn’t look good, so why would you buy a house that is disorganized and dirty? Try to look at your house through your buyer’s eyes.
Physical clutter can create mental and spiritual blocks to success, health and selling your home. Have you ever needed to pick up your rooms, make your bed, and put away the dirty dishes in the sink before you leave on a vacation? That’s because space cleaning is good to lighten your mind and leaves you with a feeling of balance.
First Impressions Sell
Some unacceptable first impressions buyers have can be corrected with the list below. Always remember first impressions and how it is important in any part of your life and in selling your home.
1. Clean up the walkway to your home removing any dead plants, adding new ones, and sweeping and hosing off the driveway and garage doors. It may even be necessary to paint the front door if washing it doesn’t help. Also keep the entrance well lighted at night.
2. Remove any personal stuff, old newspapers and magazines, clothes lying around and religious artifacts. Make sure countertops and dresser tops are clean and clear.
3. Move out any unused or extra furniture so that your rooms are more spacious and not crowded with a lot of stuff.
4. All cupboards and closets should be clean and orderly. Get rid of old unused clothing. Kitchen and bathroom cupboards should be extra clean and neat.
5. Remove from sight any cat litter boxes, garbage cans and pet dishes and check the odor in your home. Most homeowners don’t realize that odor plays a big part in the sale of their home.
6. Replace any old rugs and carpets, paint the walls or remove any old wallpaper. Buyers love when everything is done before they move in.
7. Keep your rooms light and bright with clean windows and window coverings. Open up the blinds and curtains and let in the sunshine. If it’s a nice day, open up the windows and let in the fresh air.
8. Add real flowers around your home inside and out. Flowers will also freshen up the scent of your rooms.
9. Keep your rooms painted in a color that appeals to all. It doesn’t necessarily have to be neutral but don’t use hot pinks, lime greens, or themed kids rooms.
10. Make sure your garage is very clean and organized. It you have time, try and have a garage sale before you list your home with a Realtor.
If you live in an area where all of the houses are somewhat the same, with similar features, floor plans and neighborhoods, make your home the best looking house on the block. A Home Stager will help you achieve the look of a perfectly staged home but not look artificial. Your buyer needs to think, “I could live here.” Your home will be remembered!
