When selling a home you are competing with several others that may have similar features and amenities, so you want your home to be the one that stands out in the crowd and makes the best impression on potential buyers.
Let the sun shine in:
You want buyers to feel good as soon as they step through the front door. It pays to pay special attention to maximize the amount of light in your home because dark homes are depressing to many people. When prospective buyers gives me feedback on homes that I show, they often cite a light, airy feeling as the major attraction.
Begin your preparation for showing your home by cleaning the windows, curtains, and light fixtures thoroughly. Open the drapes and blinds to let the sunshine in. Even on a bright day it helps to turn on some lights, especially floor and table lamps in dark corners. If you are using shades or heavy drapes to eliminate a less-than-perfect view, you may want to consider replacing them with translucent curtains in a light color. If you have that awesome lake or mountain view, let it show because that may be the reason someone wants your home.
Pass the sniff test:
Prospective buyers may react strongly to the way a home smells. Smoke, strong disinfectants, insecticides and pet odors have all been known to dampen the enthusiasm of buyers who might otherwise respond positively to a home that seems like it would meet their needs.
Be sure that your home passes the sniff test when it”s on the market. Pets and smoke are the biggest offenders. Consider a temporary smoking ban inside your home while your home is on the market. If you have a cat litter box, clean it often and put it in the garage or on the back porch while prospective buyers are touring your home. If your new puppy ruins an area rug, remove or replace it while the house is on the market. There are cleaning services that specialize in order removal. They may suggest carpet cleaning and other techniques to remove the offensive odor. Even if buyers smoke themselves or have pets, they will react differently to the same odors lingering in a home they are considering.
Be bug free:
Lake County is famous for its bugs, not only the carpenter bees, spiders and ants, but termites and woodboring beetles. If your house seems to get covered in cobwebs, hire an exterminator to spray for these insects because it will make for a better appearance and the cost will be recovered in the ability to sell the home faster.
Some insects may not physically damage the house, but their presence may reduce its chances of selling for top dollar. If a prospective buyer has to push back spider webs while touring the house or sees an ant trail, it could seriously undermine their ability to fully appreciate your house.
Most buyers have the home inspected for termites and woodboring beetles and carpenter ants. It is a good idea to arrange for this inspection yourself as soon as you sign a listing agreement, so they don”t become an issue during the sale. Once you have a pest clearance the issue is off the table and it affords for a smooth transaction. Also, ask the home inspector to inform you if there are any signs of dry rot or fungus that can grow in damp, dark areas.
By paying attention to details your home can sell faster and for more money.
Ray Perry is the 2013 Realtor of the Year for Lake County and works for CPS Country Air Properties located in the Riviera Shopping Center. He can be reached at 277-8000.
