Spring time home sales are right around the corner. Add in that rates have taken a nose dive and we may be in for a real treat this year. Isn't the potential business exciting??
Here are 10 things your sellers can do today to make sure their house stands out above the neighbors:
1. Elbow Grease. Making a home sparkle is free and the most under utilized element in selling a house. Make sure windows are clean inside and out. Mirrors and glass should reflect light. No smears, fingerprints, or other messes should be visible.
2. Sunlight Sells. Open blinds and windows to let the natural light shine through. Wash blinds and curtains. Update dated window treatments.
3. Welcome Home. Place a fresh new welcome mat made of natural materials at the main entrance to house.
4. Yard-Yikes or Wow? Make sure to edge along driveway and sidewalks. Repair any areas damaged through the winter. Keep yard well maintained as things start to grow and bloom.
5. Perfect Pansies. Place brightly colored, potted pansies on front porches and decks. They are a hardy flower that can withstand the cold spring nights.
6. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter. Pack away family photos, anything with your name on it, extra knick knacks, items from the tops of furniture/doorways/window sills. The house should appear as spacious as possible.
7. So Fresh and So Clean. Open the windows, weather permitting, and let the fresh spring air bring the house to life.
8. Explore Inexpensive Options. Buyers often neglect to upgrades to light and light fixtures because they fear they are too costly. This is not the case at all. Lowes has great clearance items, Wal-Mart even has some decent fixture and my favorite, eBay. eBay is great place for name brand items for very little money. It's amazing how modern fixtures really change the visual appeal of a home.
9. Sell All Seasons. If you have great photos of your during other times of the year, leave them out for buyers to view. Buyers often wonder what a home may look like during the other 3 seasons.
10. Open House Enticements. During an open house, place custom designed water bottles out for prospective buyers. Use labels to include a photo of the house and contact information. Try placing individually wrapped snacks out as well. Again, tie little tags containing house information to each snack.
