A CLEAN SALE: Spring into selling
When the skies open and clouds push back, the sunshine once again floods through filling our lives and homes with warm light! Along with good weather usually comes a busy Real Estate market. This is the time when the market explodes with new listings and buyers have a lot to choose from.
How do you get your house noticed in a sea of For Sale signs? Clean, clean, clean. I mean clean everything! A clean house shows way better than a not so clean house. So, if you are really interested in selling in a spring market, here are a few pointers to maximize your profit and get an edge over your competition when selling in a spring market.
WOW , Check that curb appeal!
First impressions only happen once. When I show up with a buyer I first note how the house presents itself. Does it show pride in ownership? Or, has the home been neglected? A house that is in need of repair and cleaning outside usually reflects on the inside as well. You have to get the buyers in to have a chance in selling. I’ve pulled up to homes and have been instructed by the client to just drive away. Don’t let your house be our next pass over!
So, you have our attention. What’s next?
If you’ve done your job right, we’re coming in. What’s usually one of the first things I do when I approach the house? I ring the door bell. If it’s broken or not working, I write it down.
Once inside, we begin the tour. Odors KILL deals! Make certain you clean and deodorize carpets, keep the garbage under the sink clean and make sure the washing machine is smelling fresh. It’s important to have a pleasing and inviting scent upon entry. If you are using an air freshener, pick a plug in air freshener that is NOT overbearing as too much scent makes it seem like you’re hiding something. If you have pets, hide the litter container and keep it
fresh.
Let there be light…
And lots of it! Maximize your exposure with clean windows and sky lights inside and out. Check for mildew. It is disgusting to look at, makes buyers think of moisture issues and it also leaves a negative impression. Get rid of it. Check all light fixtures and fix or replace as necessary. Please make sure all light bulbs work!
The most important room in the house!
Actually, there are two! The Kitchen and the Bathroom(s). Let’s face it, you won’t eat in a dirty restaurant will you? And it’s the same for public washrooms. You won’t eat there either! All kidding aside, public facilities are frowned upon at the cleanest of times, but a dirty one makes you run away.
Plus, if your not inclined to clean these areas, the clean outside will look fake.
Space
It really is the final frontier! You’re not selling a storage locker so don’t make your house look like one. Clutter is a major deterrent for any buyer. Unnecessary stuff, over sized or too much furniture will make a space look smaller than it really is. Remember, buyers are trying to get a “feel” for how their furniture will fit into their new space. If it looks crowded and navigation through the house proves challenging, they will move on.
If you want my input on selling your house, email me with your contact information and a good time to call.