Show #388 Airing Sunday, 5/20/07
When a home's curbside appeal is poor it will quickly curb a prospective buyer's enthusiasm. Unfortunately most of us view our lovely homes through rose-colored glasses and objectivity goes out the window! So here to lend us his eagle eyed expertise is Mike Torchia from The Realty Store.
Question: How do we entice a prospective buyer to fall in love with our home?
Answer: First impressions can really be everything when it comes to selling your home. It's important to really "stage" the house properly so that it looks its best.
Question: You've put together a "To–Do" List that can help set the stage for a home sale. First is to look at the curb appeal.
Answer: Curb appeal means really taking a good look at your home from the outside. Literally go to the curb and look at the house. What made you like it when you bought it? Try to be objective.
Is the outside of the house clean? Is paint peeling? Are windows clean? Does shrubbery or mulch need to be replaced? Again, take a hard look.
Question: Next, you say "Knock on your own front door". Why?
Answer: Again, first impressions are everything. The first thing prospective buyers are going to do is walk up to your front door and knock on it. Is it clean? Does it need to be re-painted? Does it need aluminum cleaner?
Question: The third is "take the sniff test".
Answer: When you walk into a home, the first thing you are struck with is the odor. Every home has an odor that is harsh or pleasant, but there are a few things you can watch out for, pet odors and smoking in particular.
If your home has a harsh odor, consider an air filter. Wash the carpet and the furniture. During home showings, bake bread or simmer water and spices on the stove.
Question: Next is "let your house grow and glow".
Answer: Make sure that furniture is not overcrowding the room. Remove what's unnecessary clutter and store if necessary.
Make sure your rooms have enough lights. A well-lit room looks its true size, and sometimes bigger.
Question: Next is "repaint".
Answer: We warn people from putting too much work into the home before selling it because you won't get it back. But one inexpensive way to make your home attractive is to repaint it. Paint it lighter, neutral colors rather than colors that fit your natural taste. You want buyers to feel that they can move right in, not re-decorate.
Question: And finally, "focus on cleanliness".
Answer: When you are selling, you never know when someone will come to see the house. Keeping it clean will help sell it!
Will prospective buyers fall in love at first sight with your home? Mike's tips can help seal the match. To learn more, call The Realty Store at the number that's next.
