To Sell Quickly: It's All In The Appearance

When planning to sell your home, the key to getting the best price quickly lies in the appearance of both the exterior and the interior of your property when prospective buyers visit.

Why is appearance so important? Because a buyer’s first impression may set the tone for the level of interest in your home and the amount of the offer that is to follow.

Buyer's are no dummies. They are looking for quality, a good product in good condition, and at the right price. And if they have to paint, fix or clean anything after the sale, it will surely be reflected in their offer – which will most definitely be lower than your asking price, or they might not make an offer at all!

Some simple tips on making your home look its best:

Curb Appeal

• The front entrance should be welcoming and clean – give it a scrubbing.
• Lawn should be clear. Mow the grass and trim the shrubbery, if there’s a flower garden, weed it and top the soil with a fresh layer of mulch.
• Keep your lawn and driveway clear of garden equipment and outdoor furniture. Make the bikes and toys disappear.
• If you have a patio or deck, it should also look new and clean.
• The front of the house should be in good repair. The shutters and windows should be clean.

Room-By-Room Staging

• Arrange furniture to make rooms look larger and more inviting.
• De-clutter everywhere. Give things away or put them in storage.
• Countertops, tables, desktops – all clear surfaces should be spotless.
• Clear closets and cupboards of as many items as possible to make storage space look more appealing.
• Give the entire house a thorough cleaning. Get into every nook and cranny, vacuum and dust like you mean it. Guaranteed success when you're done!