Exterior and Curb Appeal
Experts say most buyers make their decision on first sight.
General Exterior
- Prospective Buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained.
- Manicure landscaping: mow, edge, and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowerbeds and prune trees.
- Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep garage door closed.
- Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles
- Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or step, and keep them clean and free of all obstructions like toys.
- Items from RV’s to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your property appears clear.
- Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.
- Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows and other areas.
- Pick up after your pets and neighborhood animals.
Doorway
- Apply fresh coat of paint to the front door.
- Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits.
- Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway windows, porch light, or decorative areas.
Interior Appeal
Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside opinion.
Clean, Clear, Light and Bright
- Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to the buyer’s perceived value of your home.
- For a sleeker, more spacious feel, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
- Clear kitchen counters of everything other than perhaps a few pretty items. Ask yourself: In a model home would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
- Remember, closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you’re anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused items.
- If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled, or strongly colored walls, and window and floor coverings with light, neutral shades. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and decor.
- Repair dripping faucets, burned out light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes.
- Repair cracks, holes, or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles,
Warm and Homey
- Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen can make your home more inviting.
- Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings.