Selling Your Home – No Second Chance At A First Impression
The enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A scented candle gives a subtle hint of fragrant vanilla. The mouth-watering smell of a freshly made cake.
If just reading about these has got your senses fired up, imagine what they could do for the sale of your home. Placing a few coffee beans or a vanilla pod into a warm oven during your show house is an old trick – but it really works if you want to add appeal and allure to your home. This is just one idea of many that will add instant appeal to your home before you put it on the market for sale.
And instant appeal is the key. It’s amazing how many people make decisions that involve their life savings in only a few seconds. Studies show that it takes people around a tenth of a second to form a first impression (marginally longer than it takes a fly to flap its wings!) – and that first impression counts. A little effort can add value to your home, improve its selling price and importantly, it will make those important first impressions count.
So what can you do?.
The first thing to do is to look at your home with a critical eye. You can add value by making even small cosmetic improvements. Your garden beds may be a wonderful sandpit for your kids – but a potential buyer may just see an unloved, sandy mess. Your dog may be a much-loved family member but to others, he may be a grubby nuisance. What is the kerb appeal of your home? Is it presentable and tidy? Are there any visible signs of damage or wear and tear, such as peeling paint, cracked tiles or cobwebs?.
A Bentley property professional says the value of almost every home will increase with a pre-sale makeover. Here are some things to do :
· A coat of paint is a really good pre-sale investment. Choose neutral colours that have universal appeal.
· Get rid of any clutter (both inside and outside) and do a thorough tidy-up
· Clean windows and remove cobwebs etc to maximise views and inside/out appeal
· In the garden, prune unruly shrubs and trees, sweep leaves, weed, clear gutters and mow the lawn, trim the edges. Get flowering plants from your local nursery to create immediate colour and appeal. Scatter wood chips or bark over empty flower beds to neaten them up.
· Street appeal is vital.
· Make sure swimming pools are clear of leaves, algae and other debris.
· Garages and storerooms should be orderly and easily accessible.
· Make your home welcoming with a new door mat.
· And inside – clean and tidy is the golden rule.
· Store any extra furniture and personal effects, leaving just enough to showcase your home and create a homely ambience but still allowing potential buyers to visualize their own belongings in the spaces. You may even want to consider renting furniture in neutral tones to create a modern look.
· For bathrooms – spotlessly clean is the only way. No rust, dirty rings, leaking taps, stains or mould.
· If you have carpets, have them professionally steam cleaned – and polish wooden floors and tiles
· Have a look at decorating magazines for ideas how to freshen up bedrooms with a few strategic accessories – like scatter cushions, a bed throw or stylish headboard.
Here are some tips for making your open day one to remember:
· Set the tone with some gentle, welcoming background music.
· Before time, place a vanilla pod, some coffee beans or a cake in a warmed oven. Your kitchen will be imbued with a subtle but inviting fragrance.
· Without being overpowering, light scented candles in toilets and bathrooms.
· Put away any pet debris (eg bowls and beds) and find a pet sitter for the day
· Put away small items such as clothes, knick-knacks etc – and ensure the laundry doesn’t look like a laundry!
· Kitchen and bathroom benchtops will look longer if they are clear
· Open windows to freshen the atmosphere
· On cold days, warm things up with an inviting fire or heater.
· Bowls of fresh flowers should be placed around the home (without going overboard).
· If need be, turn on interior lights but be careful of overdoing it. Potential buyers will quickly see that a home is dark if there are too many lights on.
Preparing your home for sale will take time and may cost a bit of money. However, making the investment should pay real dividends and you should get far more out of it than you put in, say the Carlisle property experts. If you’re committed to getting the best possible price for your home, a bit of effort will go a long way.
Tags: property Bentley, property Carlisle, property Victoria Park, real estate Bentley
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