Springtime signals warmer weather, longer days and the promise of beach days just around the corner. The change in season also signals one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. If you are getting your home ready to sell in the next few months, read on for tips to maximize your home listing to attract potential buyers.
Listing
Beautiful images are what will draw people in and are one of the most important parts of an online listing. Hiring a professional photographer is not always in the cards, so why not go ahead and act for yourself! This means cleaning & staging your home prior to taking the shots. Taking photos in the middle of the day is key – natural sunlight will help to brighten any space.
First Impressions
First impressions are everything and only happen once, so make sure you up the “WOW” factor as the exterior will be the first thing potential buyers view. Here are a few easy ideas to spruce up the outside:
- Power wash the exterior, including the front walkway, driveway, and porch
- Make any repairs to obvious damage
- Sand down and re-paint any old and flaking trim
- Attend to your landscaping – trimming back overgrown plants and planting new flowers, etc.
There is nothing worse than driving around an unknown neighborhood trying to track down an open house or address. Although Google maps may lend a hand, making sure your house is easily accessible and easy to spot is key. This can mean making sure the house numbers are legible, driveways and walkways are clear of cars, debris, and even kids toys.
Open House & Showings
It often goes without saying, but a spotless home is a must. You don’t want the wonderful features of the home to be overshadowed by your water spotted shower or dusty baseboards.
The same goes with clutter. A favorite saying that comes to mind is ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’. Even if you must sweep everything into the nearest closet or cupboard, make sure that those kid and dog toys are well hidden. Make sure everything is tidied prior to leaving for work that day so that there are no last minute surprises if someone requests a showing at the end of the day.
Small touches like fresh flowers, tidy rooms and freshly laundered and hung towels can go a long way with first impressions when you are getting your home ready to sell.
