Selling a home these days it tough business. There are a lot of houses on the market and not a lot buyers. So it’s absolutely imperative to put your best foot forward when you list. Cleaning, organizing and de-cluttering are a given, but there are also lots of little touches you can add to help your home stand out from the pack.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal counts! Curb appeal is the first impression a buyer gets of your house and it sets the tone for the rest of the showing. Landscaping is an inexpensive way to help your house stand out. People want to know that the former owners have taken care of the property. A neat and trim yard with a flower lined walk-way makes a great first impression. But don’t forget the front door. While agents are getting the keys from the lock boxes and struggling with the locks on the front door, the buyers are taking it all in. So be sure to clean the front door and steps . If it needs a fresh coat of paint, get to work. A $15 can of paint can go along a way in terms of freshing up the front stoop. Other simple improvements include getting a new, stylish mailbox or new address plaque. If a buyer sees a rickety old mailbox hanging by one screw, they likely are going to wonder what else you have neglected
Landscaping shows pride of ownership and that you have attended to the details
Photo by Kara Bailey
Kitchen
For most buyers the kitchen is the make it or break it part of the home buying process. Kitchen remodels are notoriously expensive projects. But there are a few things you can do to help brighten the room and make it more inviting without investing loads of dough.
Under cabinet light can provide utility by illuminating the work space but it also sets a dramatic mood.
Photo by Geoff Story
Pot Racks add functionality while also creating an interesting visual. The crown molding on the kitchen cabinets completes the look and adds height.
Photo by Christopher Thiemet
Open shelving creates dimension and gives you the opportunity to add a splash of color
In the end you want your house to stand out, so focus on creating a memorable space that feels like it has been well cared for. These days buyers are very discerning and have a lot of homes to choose from. Clean and well-maintained are good starting pointing but adding the special touches can go a long way.
P.S. Never under estimate the power of clean baseboards! If you do nothing else wipe down all the trim and repaint or polish.
P.P.S. Check out TV debut on Great Day St. Louis!
Your points are so true! I especially agree with the importance of cleaning up the front porch and front door. With so many people parking in garages and entering the home from a back door or via the garage, many homeowners almost never step on their own front porch. They don’t realize that it is covered in cobwebs and the frame around the door is dirty. But buyers sure notice in the minute or two that the agent spends getting the door unlocked. I’ve seen many buyers walk inside expecting a house that is neglected…and the result is they find every imperfection. Would they have seen these flaws if the door had been clean? Maybe. Or maybe not.