Focus on the Model Home Effect
The best way to make a buyer “feel at home” is to create an environment similar to that found in a model home. Obviously you cannot recreate the feeling of a perfect display home without starting from scratch, but there are some valuable techniques to be learned. When walking into a model home you will notice several key points:

  • The environment is neutral
  • The colours and interior decorating accent the home’s features
  • The smell is fresh and clean
  • The sound is either quiet or enhanced by subtle background music
  • All details are looked after, from manicuring the lawn to a floral arrangement in the entry.

Entry
The entry is where the first impression of the interior is created. Here’s where you can make a big statement in a small area.

  • A new welcome mat is a welcome addition
  • Repaint the entry using light, neutral colours
  • Moved a prized furnishing to the entry, for maximum impact
  • Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to a wood floor
  • Tile or linoleum flooring should shine
  • Replace plastic switch plate covers with brass or porcelain
  • A new hall light fixture can make a great impression
  • Make sure the room is well lit
  • A large mat near the entry provides a place to buyers to place their shoes, and limits any dirt they make track in with them

Focus on de-personalizing your home
When consider a home to purchase, the buyer often visualizes what it would be like living there. If the home is dominated by strong personal statements, buyers are less likely to feel comfortable, and therefore less able to visualize the property as their own. Personal statements are reflected in many ways:

  • Usual wall colours or heavily patterned wallpaper
  • Heavy odours from pets, tobacco or cooking
  • Sounds of loud music or television
  • Noisy children or barking dogs
  • Strong political or religious statements
  • Unusual are or furnishings

Kitchen
The kitchen is perhaps the most important room in the house. It can have a mojor impact on the value of your property. If your kitchen needs some help, you may want to make extensive improvements. The following ideas can increase the appeal of your kitchen without spending any money:

  • Make sure the room is virtually spotless and smells fresh. Put a section of lemon in the disposal and grind it up
  • Consider replacing outdated light fixtures with new track lighting
  • If your appliances are outdated colours like harvest gold or avocado, consider having them professionally refinished in black or white. This will make appliances look new at a fraction of the cost of actually replacing them (although new appliances will be much more appealing to the buyer than refinished ones).
  • Spruce up kitchen cabinets by installing new hardware
  • If your cabinets look especially old, you can have a professional replace the doors or door fronts.
  • Organize your kitchen cabinets to demonstrate how much room you can have. Cabinet organizers are a great investment!
  • Remove small kitchen appliances and gadgets from countertops to create an uncluttered look.
  • Chipped or damaged countertops should be replaced or repaired
  • If your linoleum floor is badly worn, replace it
  • A freshly painted kitchen is well worth the investment

Living Room
The living room is a major selling point of a home. Buyers look for elegant and impressive living rooms to make the right statements to their visitors.

  • Use mirrors to enhance the perception of size. The strategic placement of a mirror over a mantle or across from a window can make a room look brighter and larger
  • A fireplace is one feature that everyone can appreciate – show it off to its best advantage. Sweep it clean and make sure the screen is in good condition. If your house is being shown in cool weather, make a cozy, cracking fire
  • During warmer months, dress up the hearth with indoor plants or dried flowers
  • Use inexpensive free standing accent lights behind large plants or pieces of furniture to create dramatic visual effects.
  • Professionally clean carpets and large area rugs
  • Sand and refinish stained hardwood floors
  • Clean windows and light fixtures
  • Make sure all cosmetic cracks are repaired (this applies to every room in the house).

Bathroom
The bathroom has become an important selling feature in today’s home. There are many ways you can improve deficiencies and create interest.

  • Place a vase of fresh flowers on the vanity
  • Replace an old toilet seat with a new one
  • Replace an old light fixture with a new one
  • Refinish an old porcelain tub using a porcelain finishing service
  • Place all personal care articles out of sight
  • Freshen the air with lemon scented products
  • Replace an old towel rack with a new one
  • Add colour and richness with new towels and a shower curtain

Bedrooms
The bedrooms can do as much to sell your home as they can to turn off a buyer.

  • Make sure the bathrooms are absolutely spotless. Rugs should be cleaned, windows washed, with fresh smells from flowers or lemon oil in the air.
  • Install new closet organizers – this will not only make closets appear larger, but increase the value in buyer’s mind since they don’t have to do it themselves
  • Bedrooms should be well lit – consider leaving bed side lamps on, buyers and their agents are likely to flip the light switch at the door but won’t go as far as turning on lamps.

Through the buyer’s eyes:
• Are your appliances clean and in good working order?
• Are your cabinets in good condition?
• Are your countertops in good condition?
• Is your tile grout clean?
• Is your sink stained, chipped, or in need of re-caulking?
• Do your faucets shut off completely?
• Do your sinks drain freely?
• Are your toilets in good condition?
• Are your shower doors shiny?
• Do your tubs need caulking?
• Is your floor in good condition?
• Are your vanities and mirrors in good condition?
The Extra Details

Basement
The look of the basement can say more about your home than you might think. A buyer who sees a meticulously clean and organized basement will have much more confidence in your property’s condition.

  • Paint a bare cement floor
  • Paint the stairway and make sure all lights are working
  • Clean the furnace area – a dusty furnace looks like it hasn’t been well maintained
  • Make sure there are no signs of pest infestation. If needed call a pest control company before the property is shown
  • Hang as many objects as possible on the walls to minimize floor clutter
  • Clean and organize laundry area
  • Make sure all lights are working
  • Eliminate dampness with a dehumidifier and air out the space

Garage
A well-organized garage says a lot for your house.

  • Keep the garage neat and organized
  • Clean up any oil stains
  • Paint the garage floor
  • Install a garage door opener
  • Hang gardening tools and loose articles on the wall
  • Dispose of unused items that create clutter and may distract potential buyers.
  • Patio and/or decking should be clean and cracks repaired

Through the buyer’s eyes
• Is your garage organized?
• Is it well lit?
• Is the floor swept?
• Are there oil spots or other stains on the concrete?

The End Result
By showing attention to detail and understanding the buyer’s need to visualize your house against a neutral backdrop, you can dramatically increase the salability of your property.

We’d be happy to assist you with recommendations to help your home sell for the highest price obtainable in the shortest period of time.

–>Next…Finding the best buyer