First impression counts! The most saleable properties are those that show pride of ownership. That’s why most of the new developments display model homes and home-sellers hire professional stagers to “dress up” their home for prospective buyers. This may come with a price as staging may cost anywhere from $1,000- $3,000 depending on the size of the home and the elaborateness of the project. However, the reward is bigger! Sellers “have received 2-8% above market asking price and listings have sold in half the time of a non-staged home” according to Let’s Stage It (http://www.letsstageit.com/).On the other hand, if you still live in the property and/or you don’t want to pay the money to give your home a complete make-over, start with these simple “5C’s” tricks:
Clutter – keep clutter off counter tops, toss away old newspapers and magazines, and remove excess furniture. Buyers emphasize on spatial perception a room gives.
Closet – Clean out your closet and store away unnecessary items. Keep only the clothes you need and hang them properly. Of most buyers’ requirements, closet space is high on their list.
Cover – before each showing, close all toilet and garbage can covers. Open containers are unsightly as well as giving off odors. All trash and garbage should be removed from the home and garage.
Comfort – create a comfortable and welcoming ambiance is very important. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Keep air smelling fresh; air freshener, candles or fresh flowers may help, but be careful not to over-do it. Have sufficient lighting. If showing is during daytime, have draperies drawn open; if it is in the evening, turn on all the lights prior to showing. Light makes rooms look larger and more appealing.
Curb Appeal – “a picture tells a thousand words.” This is exactly how most buyers feel when they search for homes on the Internet. The façade of the house is usually the cover picture and the first thing buyers use to decide if they want to actually view the inside. So keep the sidewalks cleared, trim your bushes, and make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.
And the rest? Turn your house over to the agent for showings. Trust your listing agent’s professional abilities to market your property.
