As a seller there are so many things you can do to add value and curb appeal to your home that are cost effective. Some may require no money at all.
As a Real Estate Agent I hear "feedback" all the time from potential buyers while house hunting.
- The biggest concern I hear is "clutter" and how they cannot get a real feel for the home with so much clutter.If you are like me, a pack rat, never wanting to throw anything away because it has some sort of sentimental value, I get it, however to a potential buyer it does not even have half the meaning to them as it does to you. I have found that those $5.00 storage bins that you find at walmart are wonderful and cleans up a lot of clutter of papers, books, memorabiale and such and can easily slide under a bed. Although it may not seem like clutter to us it may very well be a cluttered room to buyers that cannot get a accurate feel for a room size.
- Neutral colors serves much purpose in preparing your home for sale. It gives a more "open" feel to all the rooms, inviting and cheerful. Dark colors close up the room, making it seem smaller, bright colors like pepto bismal pink leaves the buyers with a bad taste in their mouth as well as a bill they feel is senseless having to repaint.
Most of the time when buyers are searching they are searching for homes unless actually specified that they can move right into and potentially one room at a time do some re-decorating or re-modeling. If they leave with a long list of to -do's chances are they will find another home or give you a not so nice offer on your home immediatly deducting expenses they feel will occur to them.
- Pressure Cleaning the outside of your home is way to "cheer" it up without having to replace old siding. A Buyers first impression of your home is when they pull into the driveway. Delicate landscaping also adds a nice touch. But be sure to remove any dead limbs, trees or shrubs. Use mulch when you can to ensure your landscaping does not require much effort.
It is always best to remove garbage, old wood, anything that will appear as an "eye soar". Keep things as neat and tidy as possible both inside and outside the home.
- If you are a smoker, try to refrain from smoking in the homeor at least while the home is being shown. There are A LOT of non smokers out there and some will immediately be turned off by your inside smoking leaving them with more expense to move right in with having to get "rid off" smoked filled carpets and painting. If you do smoke , leaving bowls of vinegar throughout your home in hidden spaces helps pull nicotine out of the air.
There are so many ways to get your home ready. To add value and curb appeal so the offers to purchase your home meet your needs. Do not give buyers reason for any deductions.
For more information on selling your home in Crossville TN and how to prepare for the sale of your home, contact Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker at lissalgrant@yahoo.com or call direct at 931-210-8277 for a FREE consultation.
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Hi Melissa! I too am re-working my Sellers Packet (in light of the changing market, I thought it best to do so!) and these are definitely tips that are necessary for Sellers to note when preparing for the market. Thanks for sharing!
Debe - Your very welcome ! I am doing the same as you are. In our current Real Estate Market sellers have to do even those things that seem so tedius to ensure the best turn-over. Good luck to you, stay focused and positive.
Clutter is a killer! even living with it.... darn, now I need to clean my office :-)
your friend in Charlottesville!
Melissa, smoking in a house that is for sale is a killer! I've found that even smoker clients hate to smell smoke in a house we are visiting. They may not notices the nasty stale smoke smell in their own homes, but they'll pick it up right away in someone else's house.
I would have to agree...clutter and the smell of smoke can certainly be huge turn-offs for the Buyer. Another one is odors generated from cooking certain foods. In a challenging market, it's important that our Sellers minimize the greatest number of objections....your post is a good reminder!
Melissa - Great tips for sellers in your area! I hope this one brings some listings for you.
Melissa, This is a great list you have put together. I love the storage bin advice. Pack it up! I have never heard of vinegar in bowls...I have always used charcoal. Vinegar would be much easier ,,,,I'll have to remember that one!
HI MELISSA!
Important facts that seller's not only need to know but to act on as well. They need to know that this imperative to getting their home sold!
Kudos!