Sixty seconds is all you have to create a good first impression. Here are detailed ways on how you can make your home attractive to potential buyers.
Outside the house:
- Cut the grass and make sure it stays that way. Make the yard look neat by taking away clutter.
- Pull out the weeds and put fresh mulch to flower beds.
- Wooden fences must be painted new.
- Make sure door handles are tight and clean.
- Windows should be cleaned inside and out.
- Powerwash the home’s exterior
- Gutters and downspouts should be firmly attached and functioning.
- Paint the front door.
- Put a new welcome mat.
- Place potted flowers near the front door.
Inside the house:
- Look at the furnitures in each room. Remove anything that looks “off” or anything that disrupts the design/theme. Take out any furniture that makes the room look smaller. Rent a storage unit if you have to.
- Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
- Inspect light fixtures and ceiling fans. Make sure they’re clean and functional.
- Wash the carpets.
- Take away too many “personal stuff”; including wall hangings and knick-knacks.
- Inspect plumbing system to make sure they’re not leaking; and if so, have them fixed.
- Repair torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking.
- Clean and repaint if necessary walls and ceilings.
- Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
- Replace discolored grout.
- Replace broken tiles and worn countertops.
Additional details for showings:
- Turn on all the lights.
- Open drapes and shutters during the day.
- If you have pets, secure them outside.
- Use new towels for bathrooms.
- Use new beddings for bedrooms.
- Replace old lamps or lampshades.
- Play soft background music.
- Light the fireplace.
- Use a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
- Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner.
- Do not stay in the house while it is being shown.