With foreclosure signs covering entire neighborhoods across the nation, it has become clear that the once scalding-hot housing market has collapsed and the days of the easy home sale are over.
In today's ultra-competitive housing market, curb appeal is essential. Realtors agree: little things like painting, replacing gutters, trimming trees and bushes, eliminating brown patches in the lawn, painting (or replacing) shutters, mowing often, and planting colorful flowers boosts the chances for a home sale.
First Impressions: Key to Selling a Home Quickly
First impressions are very important to the home buyer. Gone are the days when home buyers have enough money to set aside for expensive fix-ups to a home in need of repair. Home buyers now want a home that is in good condition and one that they don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to upgrade.
Home for Sale: Tips for Success
Home sellers will want to take note of the following tips for home sale success:
- Reduce clutter. Keep floors and countertops free of excessive knickknacks, paperwork, dishes, and children's toys. Home buyers want to see the potential of the home; they don't want to feel like an unwelcome intruder in someone else's life. Reducing clutter also makes the home look larger.
- Paint the home inside and out. Home buyers are more apt to purchase a clean home that smells new on the inside. If the home is older and has wallpaper, remove the wallpaper and paint walls a neutral color (white or beige). Paint ceilings, crown molding, chair rails, and railings as well. On the outside of the home, paint railings, gutters, shutters, and siding.
- Add mirrors and crown molding. It is simply amazing how plate glass mirrors will add to a room such as a dining area. It makes the entire room look bigger. Crown molding adds a unique decorative touch and an unmistakable aura of elegance.
- Focus on flooring. The very first thing a home buyer does when walking through the front door is look down. A professionally cleaned (or brand new) carpet is a must. Newly waxed wood flooring is another option that adds elegance to a home. Ceramic tile is popular, particularly in wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Buy new appliances. An old refrigerator, stove, or inefficient furnace or air conditioning unit is a major turnoff to home buyers. Home buyers do not want to purchase a home knowing they will have to spend thousands of dollars more to replace high-ticket appliances. Purchasing new energy-efficient ENERGY STAR-rated appliances add value to the home and are a good selling point.
- Fix strange sounds and icky smells. Creaky wood floors, squeaky doors, and a stinky refrigerator may turn off home buyers. Get rid of any mold smells and water stains, particularly in a basement. Paint the home and use plug-in air fresheners for every level of the home. Fix squeaky floors, creaky doors, and noisy HVAC units.
The list could go on, but these are the most important tips to keep in mind for selling a home in today’s difficult economic conditions. A little sprucing up will go a long way in getting a home sold faster and for more money.
