1) Clean up!
This may sound like a no brainer, but to let this one slip through the cracks is a big no-no. This does not just mean clean like you might on a daily basis — but, thoroughly: backyards, front yards, sparkling bathrooms and kitchens, closets, garages (people need to envision a car in there, even if they intend to use it as storage). This is to ensure that people who come through will have the feeling that the home has been lovingly cared for.
2) Clutter out!
You may not believe it, but people do not want to see YOUR things laying around the house THEY are intending to buy. This means pack up exposed CDs, DVDs, excess books and papers, kids toys and too many knick knacks and pictures of personal taste.
3) Create “IT”!
Ah, this is the biggie, and the thing that may pose the biggest challenge for a homeowner to accomplish, because the home needs to be observed through objective eyes. Take a step back and come through your doors from the outside (the doors that make the best first impression, whether that’s the front door, or the side, but I would probably recommend the front). Now, ask yourself, does this room have an impact like “ohhh, this is nice ...” or “umm ... what’s this room for?”
If it’s the latter, you have some work to do in defining the space to make “IT” — a livable, comfortable and pleasant place for anyone that is a prospective buyer. Use emotional connection points, such as flowers or table settings. Then, you need to make sure there is a balance of color and a flow from room to room, and no big boo-boos for people to notice that will break the positive energy walk through. For example, a big crack in the tile floor in the kitchen or outdated stenciling on the walls in the living room just might be enough to turn some people off.
Much luck to anyone who is trying to sell their home today!
Kristin McClellan is a professional home stager and redesigner who runs her business, HomeCharmers, with her husband, Nathaniel, a flooring expert and furniture craftsman. They work together to make people’s homes more buyer friendly and help homeowners who are staying enjoy it more. You can reach her at 899-1239 or www.homecharmers.net.