You are ready to sell up and move onto a new property, but your existing property isn’t. Unfortunately, no one will invest in it if they don’t like what they see when they walk in the door. Investors are a fickle bunch, and they will pass judgement if they see the slightest bit of dust on tabletops. To them, something as small as that makes a difference, as if it is going to come back to bite them on the backside.
You know that is a ridiculous mindset, but that is the mindset of most buyers. Now that you know that, you need to cater to their every need. It isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of time and effort. But, it is one of the best ways to sell your home and cash the check.
Maintain It Properly
To be honest, this tip might not help you if there is already damage in your home. If that is the case, you are fighting a losing battle. But, if you are proactive, you can keep the damage to a minimum. The things that buyers look for are the signs of permanent damage that will cost them a fortune. For instance, they will check the walls for damp or mold. You can prevent this problem if you check out online sites like www.mountainhomebuildingproducts.com/chinking-and-sealants. These kinds of online companies sell sealants that will block any moisture from getting through the walls. Sealants are especially effective for wood, but they work on most materials.
Clear Out The Clutter
There is no excuse for any clutter when a prospective buyer comes around to view your home. It is lazy, and it is counterproductive to the cause. Again, it might not seem like a big deal to you because it won’t be there when they move into the house. But, it puts buyers off as it is hard for them to imagine the property without the clutter. If they can’t picture themselves living there, they won’t buy period. Get the dustpan and brush and the vacuum and start cleaning. The house should be spic and span for any viewing.
Depersonalize The Entire House
Personal houses have the same effect as clutter in the sense that they stop buyers from envisioning living there. Www.cubesmart.com points that out perfectly, so give it a read. It is hard to look past the memories that your family has made there, and that isn’t a good thing. They need to see their pictures on the wall and their children running around in the back garden. To do that, you should take down anything that makes your house personal to you and your family. That means everything from pictures to drawings on the refrigerator. In fact, you might want to consider moving everything out of the house so that it is a bare space. Lots of buyers like this method because it lets them stamp their authority on a house.
Set The Mood With Lighting
Selling a house is like trying to woo a partner – you need to set the mood to make them feel comfortable. You can use the same principle for investors. So, how do you set a mood? You set a mood with mood lighting, hence the name. Swap the bright, powerful bulbs for low wattage bulbs. Low wattage bulbs give off a much softer and warmer light, and that looks nicer on the eye. Instead of using the main lights, you might want to try using side lights like lamps. Lamps are great for exploiting ambient light, the kind of light that you want for a viewing. If the viewing is during the day, you want to let in lots of natural light. Natural light makes any space look airy and a lot bigger, so make sure you aren’t blocking any windows. In fact, you might want to think about using blinds during the day and curtains at night for the best effect.
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
The first impression a buyer gets is when they pull up outside. As soon as they do, they pass judgement on the house. That quick judgement call can affect the whole selling process because it will always be in the back of their minds. Even if they love what is inside, they will think ‘yeah, but the outside’s a mess.’ So, make sure the outside isn’t a mess. Take a walk around your property and look for anything that needs fixing or that looks outdated. When you find something, repair it straight away so that you don’t forget. Also, consider giving the exterior a new coat of paint. It might not need it, but a new coat always makes a property look fresher and cleaner. Also, give the garden a trim. No one wants to walk past a jungle before they walk into the house.
Fill Any Dead Space
While we are on the subject of the exterior, make sure that there is no ‘dead’ space. ‘Dead’ space is an area of your property that has no purpose. They mainly manifest themselves in the form of a side yard or something of that nature. The problem with ‘dead’ space is that it looks unhomely. Plus, they also tend to be dirty and messy. Instead of it being negative, try and make it into a positive. Not only will it add value, but it will also complement the whole property. You could, for example, turn it into a makeshift flower garden. Think outside of the box and get creative for the best results.
Prepare For Snoopers
Although it isn’t their house, they will look under every nook and cranny. They won’t do it while you are watching, but it will happen. Bearing this in mind, make sure that you clean every area from your fridge to under your carpets. If they look and don’t like what they see, they will likely pass on your home. Or, they might think something more sinister, something like you are trying to hide a major issue. Clean the whole house from top to bottom and don’t miss any spot.
Follow these tips and your home will sell like hot cakes.
