Nothing makes a good first impression than a clean and organized house when it comes to selling homes. So before you even think about listing your property, first evaluate and see if there is anything to be done to get that favorable first impression from potential buyers.
"Put your buyer's hat on and walk thru your home like it is the first time," says Marilou Young, an Accredited Staging Professional and an Associate Broker with Virtual Properties Realty in the metropolitan Atlanta area.
That way, you will have a perspective of what the clients will experience when they tour your home. If you are bothered by a stench or noise, then they most probably also going to be.
For a greater chance of closing the deal, here are some snappy tips when preparing your home for a sale from Forbes and Realty Times:
Clean, clean, clean
Dust everything; because the last thing you want is a client sneezing her way out of your house. Wipe those dried sauce drippings on the kitchen counter top. Making sure that surfaces, from floors, furniture, hardwares, are dust-free and polished will definitely get you a nod from the potential buyers. If you think you can't do the job, then you can get a cleaning service - it is often worth it.
Paint peeling off the walls
Paint starting to peel off the wall is a sign of deterioration and you would not want that - it's also a sign of neglect on your part. Although a paint job will cost you, not getting one will definitely cost you even more - a missed deal. Also, try to stick to neutral colors as the prospects may not like the bloody red paint theme in the kitchen.
What is that smell?
At the day of the showing, steer clear from dishes that give off strong smells. You don't want your home to smell like a school canteen or a diner. Instead, prepare a bunch of fresh flowers in a vase and strategically place it in areas where it usually smells funny. Use cleaning products with mild scents so you don't only clean the house, but give it a nice, fresh, crisp, squeaky clean smell at the same time.
No clutter please
If your house normally looks like a children's playhouse, then you want to do something about that come showing day. Free the entry way from those piles of shoes, coats, and whatnots. Remove all the clutter and store them in the most organized way; you don't want to keep the living room completely wiped of clutter and put everything in one room where the clients will also see them.
Get rid of personal items
You don't want your 6x6 portrait to be the first things buyers see when they enter your house. The idea is you want them to feel like they can live in that house, and you staring back at them in a photo is not going to help.
Don't underestimate the lighting
Open up the windows, switch the light (preferably yellow light) on in areas that are usually dim, allow the natural light to come in. Bringing in light is going to make the house feel inviting; it will also make the house look bigger than it is.
Don't forget the exterior
Of course! You want the outside of your house to look as good as the inside. Your inviting living space and spa-like bathroom won't cut it if your front and back yards are looking like the property hasn't been lived in for years. Trim your plants, tuck the garbage bin away, hide kids' toys, and make sure you don't leave remnants of last night's party on the griller.
