You’ve made the tough decision to sell your home. Now you are faced with the challenge of getting it ready to put on the market. Here are some expert design tips to make your home as attractive as possible to prospective buyers.
Less is more. De-clutter.
Clutter makes a home feel small and disorganized. Organize your clutter into large labeled storage containers that you can store in your basement and/or attic. If you don’t have storage space in your home, consider renting a storage unit. If you are ready to part with some of your clutter, turn it into cash on Craig’s list or ebay, or donate it to your favorite charity. Clear unnecessary objects from your kitchen countertops, and put them in a cabinet out of sight. Remove pictures, photos, magnets etc. from your refrigerator. Tackle your closets, as closet space is important to buyers. Consider wooden hangers and storage boxes (you can get inexpensive ones from IKEA) and organize your clothes by color. You will be shocked at the transformations. Once your clutter is gone you may want to consider moving furniture or pictures/art to make the space more inviting.
Clean, clean, clean, clean, clean.
Once you clutter is gone, consider hiring a cleaning crew for a thorough cleaning. If you can not afford to have them come back before each showing, you can maintain this yourself by spending 20 minutes daily cleaning. Vacuum, mop, dust, and makes sure sinks, countertops, baths, showers, and faucets are free of water spots. Steam clean or replace dirty carpets. Neutral carpet tiles are a great affordable way to give your room a modern feel. Windows should be cleaned inside and out. Make sure beds are made. Empty all trashcans. Make sure your home is free of smoke and pet odors.
Go neutral.
Keep in mind that your home needs to appeal to both sexes and neutral sells. De-personalize your space so that is appeals to everyone.
Get handy.
If you are not handy, make friends with a handyman. Buyers want a well-maintained home, so you need to make sure this is conveyed. Your handyman checklist should include painting, fixing a broken cabinet, fixing broken tile, nail holes, chipped paint, or stopping a dripping faucet, etc. A great affordable way to give your home a more updated feel is to update old unappealing light fixtures.
Let the sun shine in.
You want your home to be bright, open and inviting. Leave curtain or blinds open during showings and turn on all lights in your home. Make sure any burn out light bulbs are replaced during your handyman checklist.
Little touches go a long way.
Little touches can do wonders. Buy simple fresh flowers. Play soft background music like jazz (not a loud TV). Burn candles. Bake pre-made cookies right before a showing, or pick up a mild great smelling room spray and spray throughout your home.
Curb appeal.
Don’t forget about the outside of your home – it’s the first impression you’ll make to buyers. Sweep, clean, and consider a plant for your entrance. Make sure railings and doors are clean and are free from peeling paint. The backyard should receive as much attention as the front. All garbage should be in cans with lids neatly behind your home.
Once you have tackled these items, consider hiring a staging professional to come through and check your work. A few hours with a staging pro can add thousands to an upcoming offer.
Jill Bloodsworth, founder of Loft Design Studio, has 8 years of practical hands-on experience and is the recipient of the 2009 Innovative Bath Award from Metropolitan Home magazine.
