A Good Showing: Dressing Your House for Sales Success

By Denise Wallen, ERA Realty Pros

As important a landmark as buying a home is in people's lives, it is often the little things that are overlooked that make or break a buyer's decision to buy. If you're looking to sell your home, you'll have to put careful thought into a potential buyer's first impressions, because many sales will be made or lost before they reach the front door or as soon as they walk through it.

First consider "curb appeal" the feeling customers get from the upkeep of the house and grounds, and how comfortable it makes them imagining themselves as the owner. You want to do everything you can to make them see your house as their house, both outside and in. A well maintained home that is neat and orderly goes a long way in making a memorable first impression.

The exterior of the home should be free of mildew and/or chipping paint, broken or cracked windows, crooked shutters, etc. The yard should be kept clear of debris, broken branches or presents left behind by your pets. In the warmer months, the lawn should be well watered and mowed and shrubs neatly trimmed (new flowers add a nice touch!). In the colder months, the driveway and walkways should be kept clear of ice and snow.

Inside, kitchens and bathrooms should be in sparkling condition. These rooms are known to be what makes up many home-seekers' minds. Removal of odors like pet smells and smoke will lessen distractions for customers you want focusing on your home's possibilities.

Clearing of clutter is critical. The less belongings you have crowding your rooms and closets, the bigger the home will appear, and the easier it will be for potential buyers to envision placing their own possessions there. Put some things in storage if you need to, or hold a garage sale to help cut down on some of the build-up you were going to clear out for moving anyway. For buyers picturing themselves in your home, it's also good to present the house in as general taste as possible. Excessive personal memorabilia, collectibles, and eccentric wall colors and furnishings should go out with the clutter. Rooms in a neutral white or light beige help to convey the sense of spaciousness.

From major improvements which guarantee a return on your investment, to subtle touches that tip the scales in your favor, the features of a house that we often take for granted can be the ones that determine your homeselling success. According to the National Association of Realtors®, curb appeal alone accounts for half of all home sales.

A little effort now saves you a lengthy process later. First impressions will expedite the sale, and securing the services of a qualified Realtor® will be the finishing touch. A real estate professional can help guide you in all the above matters and more. By following some simple guidelines and advice, you can be assured that for some buyer soon, the showing of your home will be love at first sight.