How to Wow a Potential Buyer
Ever wonder why some homes sell fast, and others
seem to stay on the market forever?
We’ve been to this rodeo thousands of times. It’s not complicated. When you’re ready to sell your home, commit to being ready to sell . We show you how.
We’re here to help you sell your home quickly. At the highest price possible.
To sell your home quickly, at the highest price possible, you want it looking attractive to potential buyers. So when you’re ready to sell, prepare and maintain your home in “showroom condition”. Here’s how you go about it:
First impressions.
When a Realtor® and their clients pull up in front of your home for a scheduled showing, you want your home to say “WELCOME!”. After all, your visitors are considering your home as a comfortable place to live safely, peacefully and happily.
If kids toys are scattered around an unmowed lawn, front porch plants are wilting, and the inside is cluttered an unkempt, well, let’s just say it’s not a good first impression. You don’t want that to happen.
A showing to prospective buyers will last around 20-30 minutes. They’re looking at everything, imagining themselves living there. So you really want your home to shine, inside and out.
Don’t just list it without any advance preparation. A few minor touch-ups can go a long way towards making a favorable impression on potential buyers — and perhaps cinching a deal.
If you need some help getting your property in showroom condition, please let us know. We know several highly reputable cleaning and “Fix-it” sources at very reasonable cost.
Here are some key areas to act on:
Curb Appeal – say “Welcome”
- Keep curbside and driveway free of parked cars, if possible.
- Cut lawns and remove any litter.
- Trim hedges and shrubs.
- Weed and edge gardens.
- The Mailbox should be in great condition.
- Clear drive and sidewalks of snow, leaves or unsightly oil stains.
- Clean and repair soffits, gutters, and spouts.
- Clean out garage as much as possible.
- Touch up exterior paint where needed.
Front Door – Spiffy Impressions Matter
- Clean and tidy your porch and foyer.
- Make sure your doorbell rings.
- Door hardware in good shape.
- Clean all porch decorations.
- Put out a friendly new doormat.
Staging – Make Your Home Feel Roomy
- Clear rooms, halls and stairs of clutter.
- Store surplus furniture.
- Clear kitchen counters and stove.
- Organize closets to be neat and roomy.
- Consider holding a garage sale to clear out “used items” from garage and basement.
- Play quiet background music (no blaring TVs or radios).
Conceal Your Valuables During Showings
- Keep jewelry and valuables out of sight or locked safely away during showings.
- Take precautions to ensure property (such as collectibles, vases, figurines, mementos) are safely situated, out of reach, or packed away to avoid accidental breakage.
A Clean and Fresh Home Sells Faster
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms should get close attention to detail.
- Clean and freshen bathrooms.
- Clean refrigerator, stove, and counters.
- Clean washer, dryer, and laundry tubs.
- Vacuum and clean flooring.
- Clean and wipe all lighting fixtures.
Common Fixer-Upper’s
- Repair leaky faucets and toilets.
- Clean furnace and replace filters.
- Tighten door knobs and cupboard latches.
- Repair cracked plaster.
- Touch up chipped paint.
- Clean and repair windows, screens, and storm doors.
- Repair seals around tub and sinks.
- Replace burned out light bulbs.
- Oil the hinges on squeaky doors.
Creating a Comfortable Buying Mood
- Turn on lots of lights and burn scented candles throughout the house.
- Open curtains and blinds in the daytime.
- Set the thermostat to create the perfect temp for a comfortable showing.
- Light fireplace in the fall or winter.
Pets are Fun, but Not for Showings
- Pets should be leashed outdoors or, preferably, removed from home during showings.
- Eliminate all pet hairs and odors if possible.
- Put away pet bowls and toys.
Your professional Straley Realtor® will do a thorough walk-through of your entire property to help you identify areas to tidy up. We know many simple techniques that will bring your home into showroom condition.
If you’re looking for a great experience when selling your home, give us a call. We’re members of the BBB, several Chambers of Commerce, National Association of Realtors®, and subscribe to all the best search options, like MLS to help you find the perfect buyer.
We’ve been in the middle of more than 6,000 real estate transactions . We know the ins and outs of how to sell your property. As our founder, William Straley, always says
“Everything we touch … turns to SOLD!”
