When potential buyers walk into your home, you want them imagine how perfect their things would look inside. You’ll get an offer much faster when your home’s interior is staged to encourage imaginations to run wild. These simple techniques will have maximum impact on improving your chances of seeing “Sold” on the real estate sign in front of your home.
1) Clean It Up
This one might seem basic, but you would be surprised at how often showing a home turns into a tour of the debris of the seller’s daily living. Dirty dishes are a huge don’t, as are unmade beds, baskets of dirty clothes and half-sorted mail. Clear up the clutter, and keep the chores in check so your potential buyers can see what a lovely asset you have. No place to put the mess? Rent a storage locker, snag a corner of your parent’s basement or toss it in a dumpster. This is no time to be a pack rat. Just think: every item gone is one less item you’ll have to pack and move when your house sells.
2) Interior Tricks
A fresh coat of paint works wonders on brightening rooms and giving an immaculate, never-lived-in feel. This is very appealing to possible new homeowners. However, clever paint techniques can do much more than just bring in light. They can actually make rooms appear bigger. If your kitchen, living room and/or dining room are fairly open, using the same color all the way through will give the impression of one large space. Take it one step further by matching your window treatments as well, for a smooth, pulled together look.
3) Say No to Stink
It goes without saying that bathrooms need to be scrubbed, pet paraphernalia and debris picked up and mold or mildew cleared away. Smelly bathrooms and musty basements will guarantee your prospects go elsewhere. Keep in mind that there can also be “too much of a good thing.” You don’t want to overwhelm potential buyers with cleaning products, air fresheners or room sprays. Instead, try strategically placed fresh flowers, well-timed baking brownies or a new pot of coffee to scent your home with subtle allure.
4) Update Appliances
Every penny you put into the purchase of new appliances is an investment sure to show significant returns. There’s no need to get the high-end luxury stove or refrigerator. But, a selection of current features from a reputable brand is certain to work in your favor. Choose a timeless color scheme that will match any decor. Stainless steel can give your kitchen a modern look, while providing neutral colors to fit any theme. This way, potential buyers feel more at ease by not having to worry about the immediate need to update.
5) Bathroom Shortcuts
Pouring money into a complete bathroom renovation is often much too expensive, especially for a seller seeking to purchase another home. It’s also inconvenient and time consuming. Instead, for a fraction of the price, you can make the whole room look brand new by reglazing your tile and bath tub, and installing inexpensive vinyl flooring. Take it up a notch by replacing shower and sink hardware. Don’t underestimate the impact you get from repairs of dripping faucets and continuously running toilets.
Have a Successful Open House
When it’s time for your open house, you don’t want visitors to think about what lovely decorating taste you have. Instead, you want them to dream of how they would design the decor and layout of the house. So, give them as much of a clean slate as you can. Make sure your home is prepared so that your open house visitors see the full potential of what your home can offer them.
Article provided by Paula Henry, an Indianapolis Realtor. If you’re interested in learning more about buying or selling a home in Metro Indianapolis, visit her Indianapolis Real Estate Blog or search homes for sale, Indianapolis on her website.