No Matter The Market, Putting The Best “Face” On Your Home Is A Sure Way To Attract More Buyers

The Santa Clarita Valley has been in the midst of a seller’s market for a number of years now. In the past year, we’ve seen home prices increase in the double digits percentage-wise. With this, is might be in a seller’s mind to take the easy road and sell their property “as is” without consideration to how their home appeals to buyers. However, it’s been proven that the better your home appears, the better your chances of getting an offer, or even multiple offers.

So let’s take a look at some of the top things you can do to prepare your home for sale.

Home Exterior

Most of this could be filed under “Obviously!”, but one might be surprised at how many homeowners overlook some of the basic things they can do to improve their property’s “curb appeal.”

Lawns should be as neat and tidy as possible. Debris and other clutter should be removed from driveways and walkways, and, if possible, keep your vehicles out of the driveway for showings. This gives a buyer the opportunity to envision “their” home without seeing someone else’s car in “their” driveway.

Home Interior

Livingroom:

Typically this will be the first indoor impression a buyer will see upon entering your home, and it may set the tone for their desire to see the rest of the property. Neat and tidy is the rule of thumb. Keep knick-knacks and personal items to a bare minimum (or remove altogether), and make sure floors are cleaned and furniture dusted.

Kitchen

Aside from the first impression created upon entering your home, the kitchen is the most important space. Why? Because EVERYONE spends time in the kitchen, whether they cook or not.  Counters should be as clutter free as possible. Clear the top of the refrigerator, and make sure sinks and countertops are clean and tidy. Remove trash before showings, as nothing can ruin a buyer’s perception of your home, no matter how neat and tidy, than a smelly kitchen!

Bedrooms

Beds made, personal items put away, and again, neat and tidy! Kids rooms should have toys put away (or at least organized and out of the way).

Bathrooms

By this point, it’s redundant to mention that cleanliness is next to…offerness from a buyer! But don’t overlook having a clean shower/tub, and make sure mirrors are spot and streak free. Remove all personal grooming items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving items, deodorants, etc.

Backyard

I think you get the point! Like the front exterior, a well groomed and tidy backyard can make all the difference in a buyer’s perception of your home, and their desire to write an offer.

Attention To Detail Is Key

Yes, it may take a lot of work to make your lived-in home not so lived-in. The idea is create an aesthetic atmosphere that allows your potential buyer to imagine themselves living in what might possibly be their next home.

Lastly, LISTEN TO YOUR REALTOR!

Upon signing the listing agreement, your listing agent should take you room by room to give you advice on staging  your home to make it as presentable to buyers as possible. Take heed, take notes, and follow through!