I just returned from showing a home to prospective buyers. And while you may find buyers able and willing to overlook clutter and dirt, it ALWAYS affects their perception of the house. From dirty shower doors, funny odors, dust and dirty vents to dirt on the siding all play a part in the judgements people are making on how well they believe the house is built and maintained. You will still be able to sell your house if you don't pay attention but not for the amount you could have otherwise.
When I returned back to the office I found the following tips from the local PODS franchise.
Potential buyers have a tendency to look in every nook and cranny – in closets, cabinets, and under beds. Staging the home, and making it clutter-free, is now easier than ever with PODS. Follow these 5 steps to achieve home-showing success!
1. Create more space. The bottom line when selling a home is to create the illusion that living areas are more spacious. Since buyers often envision their own furniture in homes they visit, showing plenty of floor and wall space to make the home feel bigger is a priority. You may love those two overstuffed recliners near the fireplace, but how does placement effect floor space? Place any large, bulky furniture in a PODS® container for safekeeping during this interim process.
2. Spic and span. Clean the house from top to bottom and clear the clutter from countertops. It may be worthwhile to hire a cleaning company and keep your focus on other parts of the moving process. Are hallways filled with hanging picture frames? Keep a select few to highlight and pack the others carefully in a box for retrieval at a later date. Minimize items on display in other areas of the home as well – in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living areas.
3. Don’t forget the garage. While women tend to look at a kitchen first, men will head for the garage. Essentially another room, do not neglect cleaning up and de-cluttering the garage. Load all of the sports gear, motorcycles, bikes and seasonal décor in a PODS® container until needed again.
4. Make an outstanding first impression. Lawns should be freshly cut, gardens weeded out and landscaping neatly manicured. It is always a bonus to have bright flowers or plants near the front door and fresh-cut flowers in vases around in rooms on open-house day.
5. Let there be light. Light equals space. Open curtains and
blinds and clean windows, screens and skylights. Remove large furniture or wall units that block window views to a PODS® container and make sure all light fixtures have new, brightly burning bulbs.
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