Keys to Selling Your House Fast – Attractiveness

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We continue the series on Selling Your Home Fast with this article on making your house attractive to give it market appeal.

Would you buy a dirty car with a dinged up fender?  Maybe, but if so your price offer would be a LOT less.   It’s the same with a house, yet many people ignore this.  They show a dirty, cluttered, unattractive house and have trouble selling it.

The market is improving, but there is still strong competition for buyers.  You need a house with market appeal in order to compete successfully.

1. An appealing house may not sell at a higher price, but it will sell, and faster
2. The mantra is clean, neat and inviting.

You should prepare and stage your house by addressing the following areas:

1. Repairs – Buyers want the home to be move-in ready, without repairs
   • Major, costly redecorating is usually not justified or needed and you won’t get the money back in sales price.
   • Buyers will estimate repairs two to four times higher than actual, so it’s better to make necessary repairs since the buyer will expect a bigger price reduction if not repaired !
   • Repair known defects as they will come out in the property disclosure statement, home inspection or FHA inspection anyway – especially:
     • Roof
     • Structure such as walls and steps
     • Water damage
     • Mechanical systems such as electrical, A/C, plumbing, etc.
   • Be sure to use licensed contractors and get permits where needed:  non-permitted work can derail a sale!

2. Curb Appeal – If it isn’t appealing at first glance, buyers will probably drive on, so:
   • Trim or remove overgrown trees & shrubs: landscaping should accent, not obscure the house
   • Remove clutter such as trash cans and children’s toys
   • Pressure wash the sidewalks and driveways and bleach if necessary
   • Repair bad spots and keep the grass trimmed
   • Plant flowers to add color, and mulch the beds!
   • Fix outside damage and paint if needed – pleasant, popular colors only!
   • Front door – In good repair, operates smoothly and looks great

3. Inside of House
   • Clean, clean, clean everything – you are competing with other clean and even new homes
   • Control odors i.e. pets, smoking & garbage.  Vinegar & baking soda really help!
   • De-clutter – remove or at least put away to create space!  De-personalize by removing refrigerator magnets, photos and personal items.
   • Paint: It’s fast, relatively inexpensive and makes a huge difference.  Ceilings bright white, walls neutral colors and accents/trim in a complementary or darker shade of the wall color.
   • If vacant, add warmth: some pictures, area rugs, small decorative items and selected furniture to showcase or complement a room.
   • A mirror or two can also make rooms seem brighter and larger.
   • Buying is emotional, and scent goes directly to a buyer’s emotions, so put out one or two scented oil diffusers.  Don’t overdo it!

4. Kitchen – This is the most important room for sales!
   • Women focus on the kitchen, and women usually make the buying decision
   • Clean, clean, clean !
   • Replace or re-finish older cabinets, or replace doors and hardware – some cabinet builders sell direct
   • Replace older appliances – this is really, really important!
   • You can do significant updating for a few thousand dollars, max and it is well worth the cost!
   • Counters:  repair or replace if really old or damaged, else de-clutter, clean and polish – remove small appliances to make them look open and spacious
   • Update lighting fixture(s) if necessary
   • Wax the floor!

5. Bathrooms – Bathrooms are another area that women focus on
   • Clean, clean, clean
   • Replace broken or missing tiles
   • Clean and re-grout as necessary
   • Update by replacing older colored tile and cabinets
   • Update lighting & plumbing fixtures – it’s generally worth it

6. Showing Time
   • Make a showing checklist
   • Brighten – Open blinds and turn on lights
   • Put the pets in an out-of-the-way area, i.e. garage
   • Control odors
   • Control, eliminate noise – quiet is best
   • If you have a Realtor, take the family and leave, if possible

Remember, I’m Bob - I’m a Realtor, I have experience in home rehab and I am also a wholesale buyer.  If you have any questions or want to talk you can reach me at 727-210-5504.  Thanks, and have a great day!