Have you ever had a showing where the buyer was in and out in a matter of minutes, or worse, they pulled up to the house only to drive away without even going inside? There are certain things that are immediate turn-offs for buyers. Here are 10 quick tips you can use to make your home more appealing to a prospective buyer.
Get rid of any clutter. Throw out or file away those stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items and knick knacks. Store your out-of-season clothing to make closets appear roomier. Most often overlooked, clean out the garage!
Wash your windows and screens. This may sound like a big chore, but it will let more light into the interior making a huge impact.
Try and keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switches. Mop and wax floors. Clean your stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a much better first impression and convinces buyers that your home has been well cared for.
Get rid of any smells. Clean the carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.
Put higher wattage bulbs in lights, if possible, to make rooms appear brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out lights.
Make any minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seems small, but they'll give buyers the impression that your home isn't well maintained.
Tidy up your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.
Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
Clean your gutters.
Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.
It may seem like a lot of work, but these few things can make all the difference between a buyer taking a quick look at your home or one that actually spends time imagining themselves in your home.
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