The decision to Sell or Buy a house is not solely based upon rational factors such as price, location and accessibility to services. It is also an emotional choice. It is a search for a home, a place in which one will find comfort, security and happiness or a place one would want to settle down and live.
Emotions are set early, so it is important that minor items such as landscaping and the appearance inside the home are well tended. As unfair as it might be to your home, it only takes 15 seconds for most buyers to develop a perception of your property which will influence their feelings for the rest of the showing, and perhaps dramatically affect their perceived value of the property.
Use these tips to help prepare your home for showing:
A good first impression
- Plant flowers, remove weeds and edge gardens
- Cut the lawn and trim hedges and shrubs
- Clean driveway and sidewalks of dirt, leaves or snow
- Water the lawn extensively, well in advance of selling
- Remove old lawn ornaments, toys and play sets
- Clean and repair rain gutters and siding
- Clean out the garage
Make sure your place looks neat & tidy
- Clear all countertops, remove personal items from the walls and refrigerator
- Remove clutter from all heavy traffic areas, such as halls and stairs
- Store surplus furniture to reduce feeling crowded
- Make all closets neat & tidy (and only half-full, even if this means moving items to other storage areas)
Cleanliness is a virtue and a must
- Make mirrors glitter and appliances sparkle
- Wash and polish all floors
- Clean and freshen bathrooms
- Clean/shampoo all carpets
- Clean all windows, walls, doors and trim
Give the impression of a well maintained home
- Touch up interior paint
- Oil any squeaky doors
- Repair leaky plumbing (taps, shower heads and toilets)
- Repair seals/caulking around bathtub and sinks
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs/install brighter bulbs
- Clean furnace and humidifier
- Repair any other minor flaws
The presentation
- Turn on all lights
- Open all drapes in daytime
- Play quiet background music
- Turn on air-conditioning or light fireplace
- Keep pets outside during showings (or at a friend’s)
- Have as few people in the house as possible. If you can, be absent during any showings as potential buyers often feel awkward and rush through if they think they are inconveniencing the owner
