Preparing your Property to
SELL
The power of Space, Emotion, Link, & Look
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pace.... You have it and Buyers want it!
So Show it off! Start by removing excess furniture. If you have too much of it, Buyers will be distracted from what they should be seeing -- the real estate. Many of my Sellers who still inhabit the property will pre-pack some items for storage on or off site (the garage, a relatives house, or self storage facility are all good options.) This can be a powerful tool to show of the space in your square footage. And don't forget the knickknacks. You may love your collection of Madame Alexander dolls or Grandpa Will's airplanes but you could lose a potential buyer if it diverts their attention. Another quick tip to market your space --- take a look at the closets. You might be surprised how important closet space can be to a Buyer. I recommend you pre-pack any out of season clothing. Show buyers some of the white space in your closet. While you are at it consider showing some more white, or neutral, space in other places. If you have darker colors on the walls, the space will appear smaller than it actually is. A quick coat of paint in a light color will not only showcase the true space in the room but also give a better overall impression of the property's well being.
motion .... Because home really is where the heart is!
Most Buyers literally fall in love with the property they decide to purchase. As you prepare your property, keep this principle in mind. It's all about the 5 senses. What will the Buyer see, hear, touch, smell, and yes .... taste? Buyers use all of their senses to evaluate your property. Staging their visit to showcase the true value of your home gets it sold. How do you do this? Start by focusing on the first impression. When they walk in, what will they see? Fresh flowers and greenery in the entryway are inviting and send the message of a healthy, vibrant environment. Special lighting coordinated with the time of the showing can also be effective to spotlight important parts of your home or to create a special ambiance.
ink ..... Buyers must envision your home as their home!
Buyers are looking for their new home. I always know a Buyer is serious when they start planning where they will place their furniture during a showing. How can you help them? One good tip is to remove from view your "personal" items. When Buyers see photographs of family vacations which doesn't include their family or framed diplomas from schools they've never attended, it becomes harder to see the house as their own. Also, take a close look at your decor. We are all individuals with different tastes, styles, and artistic leanings. If your style is more on the bold side, consider taking a softer approach while your house in on the market. Otherwise, Buyers might struggle to look past "your" home to see it as their own.
ook ..... The little things really do matter!
We've all seen the shows on television. A savvy investor buys a loved but "used" home adds a few minor cosmetic improvements and "flips" it for a major profit in a matter of weeks. It happens in real life too. Little things can make a big difference to Buyers. Freshly painted walls are one example. Take a look at your property. If the walls are faded, boldly colored, or marred with nail holes and the scuffs of daily life, consider a paint job. Buyers will see your home as newer and well maintained. A few colorful annuals or bright new mulch in your flower gardens are inexpensive and can add much to the curb appeal of your home. Finally, think about some of the little things you may have overlooked in your property. Whether it's a squeaky door jam or a dripping facet, odds are the Buyer will take note. Little things can make a big difference.
John Carter is a Coldwell Banker Realtor in Polk County Florida specializing in residential sales.
Emotion is linked to the 5 senses:
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Smell
Taste
Controlling artificial noise is also important. For many people a ringing telephone is an interruption. Consider turning off your ringer when you book a showing appointment. Pets who may be confused or upset at a stranger in their home can also be a distraction to your Buyer. Consider securing them in a special part of your home or taking them on a "field trip" with you to their favorite locale during the showing.
Your Buyer may also be tempted to touch some parts of your home and may even want to move small furniture to see more of the real estate. Getting ride of dust bunnies is always a good strategy in preparing your property for sale.
Aromas in you property can also be important. Many of us associate smells with different memories or emotions. A Buyer once arranged an appointment to see what she described as the "perfect" home, in the "perfect" neighborhood, at an "almost perfect" price. The showing lasted less than 15 seconds. The Sellers had enjoyed a delicious dinner prior to our appointment but had used a strong odor spice. A spice, unfortunately, which the buyer was allergic to and caused her to end the showing prematurely. Aromas can be powerful, though if used effectively. The smell of fresh baked cookies, apple pie, and warm vanilla have an almost universal appeal. Scented candles with an appealing aroma can add perceptional value through smell and sight. One motivated Seller who loved to bake always left homemade cookies with a special welcome note for each customer prior to their viewing. Her house didn't remain on the market very long.
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