Prepping Your Home for Sale Part I: Twelve Foolproof Ways to Make a Great First Impression on Buyers

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” That’s just as true when you’re selling your home. The average house hunter will decide if they’re interested in property within seconds, so it’s imperative to put your home in its best light and remove any potential drawbacks. Appealing to buyers’ emotions is an important part of that process, because purchasing a home is largely an emotional decision. Buyers need to envision themselves living there and loving it.

The following tips will help you to make your home enticing to every would-be buyer:

It’s all about curb appeal! Many people spend a lot of time and effort on the interior of the home, but they forget to prepare the exterior.

1. If your home’s exterior is looking dingy, get it power washed to remove dirt and mold.
2. Invest in some pretty flower beds near the front of the house to create an appealing manicured look.
3. If it’s the fall season, make sure the front and backyard are not littered with leaves. If it’s summertime, the lawn might need a little more watering than usual to prevent the grass from dying and turning brown.
4. Store any garden accessories, trash bags, or tools.
5. How does the mailbox look? If it’s dinged up, chipped, or dented, replace it.
6. Make sure the front door looks immaculate. Give it a fresh coat of paint, or replace it if it’s endured weather damage.
7. Make sure your windows are clean and streak-free.

Create a welcoming interior. Upon entering, buyers should be greeted by an inviting, cozy, and bright living space.

12. How does your home smell? There’s nothing worse than walking into a house and being greeted by an overpowering odor of mold, pets, or the remnants of last night’s dinner. Avoid cooking anything with a strong aroma before showing your home.
13. Declutter your space. Most buyers have a preconceived idea of what their next home is going to look like; and that doesn’t include a messy, chaotic, and poorly maintained property.
14. Keep it neutral. Eggshell tones work well with most spaces. You want your potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home, and that’s much easier to do if you keep the palette neutral.
15. A well-arranged room can make a big difference in its overall look and feel. The right furniture placement can visually expand the space and improve function, while the wrong layout can do the opposite.
16. Lighting is another critical element that can greatly enhance the value and perception of your house. Out-of-date lighting is indicative of an aging home so replace old or dim fixtures with bright new ones.

Go over your house with a fine tooth comb before you list it for sale. Make sure that the first impression people have of your home is a positive one.

Certified Title is a Title Insurance, Search and Settlement Services provider that uses the latest technology to make managing documents, communicating and closing transactions a breeze. To learn more, visit Certified Title today or call (888) 486-5511.