We want your home to capture attention, to invite exploration and to, most importantly, sell for top dollar. So, here are 10 ways to make your ready for showing with minimal effort and a low impact to your bottomline.
- Focus front and center – As the primary point buyers see when entering the home, you want to ensure the front door is clean and inviting. Consider repainting the door, adding new hardware and replacing the doormat if it is frayed or grungy.
- Clear the way – Remove clutter from counters, shelves and furniture. Buyers need to be open to imagining themselves living there and want to see the home, not simply your stuff. Recycle old magazines, newspapers and mail. Neatly put away most of your small decorative items, being mindful not to throw your closet into disarray in the process, remove magnets from the refrigerator, etc.
- Light up their life – Replace blown or missing light bulbs, open the blinds and draw back the curtains with tasteful pulls or ties. Natural light is your friend, so let it flow into the room. The space will appear brighter and feel more like home.
- Pull back the rugs – Take away rugs in the kitchen, bathrooms and living spaces, including bath mats and area rugs.
- Trim back – Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, rake the leaves, edge the walkways, etc. Curb appeal is important, both for those driving by and those coming for a showing. Landscaping should look clean, pruned and not seem like it will be daunting to maintain.
- Pop up the color – Think about buying a colored throw for the sofa or a few new decorative pillows to deliver a pop of enticing color.
- Freshen up – If you have pets, pick up lightly scented plug-ins to place strategically throughout the home. Also, be diligent about litter boxes, diapers, compost bins and anything that could present an unpleasing odor. Smells are the quickest way to drive a buyer away.
- Act like a B&B – Take a hint from your mom . . . make your bed, put away laundry, freshen up towels and keep toiletry items off of counters. You don’t want to distract buyers with messes and yucky shower curtains. Fancy soaps and matching bathroom canisters can also make the space seem more luxurious.
- Think tablescape – From brightly colored fruit to fresh flowers, having a focal point for dining tables is a lovely touch for buyers.
- Stow your valuables – Although a real estate agent will be present, lock up valuables just to be safe.
