It’s common knowledge that people shop for homes by comparison. Potential buyers will look at many houses before and after visiting yours. First impressions are extremely important. Make sure your house is neat and clean with the appearance of open space. Create an environment that allows a buyer to picture themselves living in the house, placing their personal items in that space.

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE STAND OUT AMONG THE REST:

1. CREATE CURB APPEAL.
Make sure that your lawn is freshly cut and edged. Trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they are hiding the house. Plant colorful annuals. If your windows are worn or boring, consider adding a few window boxes with plenty of colorful flowers. Color attracts the eye towards beauty and away from flaws.

2. INVITE THEM IN.
Buyers will be focusing on the front door as they walk up to your house. Make sure that it is attractive. Paint, stain, and door decorations hide flaws and dress the entry up.

3. LET THE SUN SHINE IN!
A bright house is inviting. It also appears bigger than a dark house. People will feel more comfortable if they can clearly see every room. A buyer may only peek into a dark bedroom without experiencing all that it has to offer. Open all blinds, curtains, shades and window coverings. No matter how beautiful they are, chances are someone out there has a completely different idea of how a window should be dressed. Many windows have beautiful moldings, leaded glass, or unique views. You could be covering up the best features of your windows and not even know it.

4. DO SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.
Make minor repairs before potential buyers think a larger problem exists. Dripping water in sinks and baths may suggest faulty plumbing. Loose knobs, tight drawers, sticking doors, and broken handles may leave buyers thinking your house has not been maintained. “If I can see what’s wrong with the house now, what is going to come out in the inspection?”

5. LESS IS MORE.
Remove all clutter and unnecessary items from all areas of the house, especially living spaces. Less furniture and knickknacks make the rooms appear larger and tidier. If your things barely fit in the room how is all of their stuff going to fit?

6. DEPERSONALIZE TO ALLOW THEIR PERSONALITY TO SURFACE.
As harsh as it sounds, family photos filling up the wall spaces, bookshelves, and tabletops are simply clutter to a stranger. How can he imagine himself living here when it has your name written all over it? A blank space is easier to fill than one that has already been marked.

7. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE.
Your house may be clean enough for you, but hypochondriacs buy houses too. Don’t rub your fingers raw trying to get your house spic-and-span. A cleaning service will see the dirt that you don’t. It’s a small investment that will make you wonder why you ever cleaned your house on your own to begin with. When it is all clean, pretend like you are a houseguest. Pick up your dirty clothes, stow your toiletries, immediately clean your dirty dishes. One of these potential buyers may someday be the host in your house.

8. CONSIDER “STAGING”.
Many of us don’t have that decorating gene that so many shows on TV try to teach us how to acquire. Consider having a staging company, your design-focused friends, or even your Realtor arrange your furniture and decorations in an attractive, inviting way that makes your home a showpiece.

9. CREATE A SOOTHING ENVIRONMENT.
Have Classical or Ambient music playing softly in your home. Music calms nerves and makes buyers feel relaxed and comfortable in your home. Utilize scented candles or potpourri. Don’t go overboard. Keep it light. Don’t burn incense! Fresh scents are better than floral.

YOU MAY NOT HAVE THE BIGGEST OR MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE ON THE BLOCK, BUT FOLLOW THESE STEPS AND YOUR HOME WILL MAKE THE BEST IMPRESSION ON YOUR BUYERS

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME:

MICHAEL FUHRHOP
Coldwell Banker
917.407.4384 mobile
973.467.4836 office
mikefuhrhop@yahoo.com