Showing your house? Here are some helpful tips!
Check out our great list of Selling tips to prepare your home for potential buyers to view!
LIGHTEN UP - Some people like to live in dark houses. Leave the shades up and the drapes opened. Homes show so much better with light.
SIZE UP THE COMPETITION - Walk through model homes in your area to see what professionally staged homes look like. You can get a variety of great ideas to prepare your home for sale.
DEFINE THE SPACE - Creatively define each space to highlight its use. Create a mudroom that is neat and orderly, a home office workspace, or a kids afterschool room with chalk boards and desks.
ADD SIMPLE CURB APPEAL - Thoroughly clear all little branches, rake the leaves and trim the bushes. Every landscaping detail proves that you care and this translates to buyer appeal.
GIVE IT A POWER WASH - A power washer is a great investment. The house looks great after a good power wash.
Good Smells, Bad Smells
Sensory research shows that the smell of a home can affect a person's mood. A light floral fragrance can put people in a more pleasant mood, while citrus scents, such as lemon and grapefruit, tend to have an energizing effect. Vanilla is one scent that's universal around the globe. People find it comforting and relaxing.
Be careful: When you add smells to a home, it can be viewed as an attempt to cover up a bad odor. And if that's the intent, it can make the problem worse. So what if you do need to get rid of a bad smell? Here are some ideas from staging professionals:
1. TAKE THE TRASH OUT. It's simple, but it can make a big difference. You should empty the garbage often when your house is being shown.
2. SNUFF OUT THE SMOKE. Eliminate all smoking inside and even outside when the doors or windows are open. Also, an ionizer can help remove smoke smells.
3. COOK WITH CARE. The smell of lamb, broccoli, garlic, fish and eggs can stick around long after the food has been eaten.
4. WASH FIDO. Pets can be a big source of smells. Limit the pet to an outdoor area or a certain room in the house. Also, clean the pet's bedding regularly.
