1. Declutter/Depersonalize/accessorize.
First things first: Remove all clutter! Yes, 214 baby toys are clutter,
as are cat and or dog toys, books, magazines, papers, refrigerator
magnets, unfolded laundry. You get my point. You want your house in the
best shape to sell it fast, so make it look organized and clean. Remove
the personal pictures in your home and clean out your closets to make
them appear larger. If you need to, start packing away your seasonal
clothes. Now is the perfect time to clean out those closets and donate
unwanted items to those who really need them. Once you have removed all
the clutter you may think your house looks empty. A few well placed
accessories (Odd numbers are preferable) will do wonders. When
decorating, imagine a triangle and place objects at each point.
2. Create
curb appeal- the outside of your home is the first thing a potential
buyer will see, so make sure it's in tip top shape. Mow the lawn, hose
down the walk ways, remove any cobwebs, clean the front door. To add a little wow factor, plant some flowers and purchase a new welcome mat.
3. Fix
it up and Clean it up- make any repairs you have been putting off, as
well as recaulking the shower areas and replacing any burnt out light
bulbs (for the best lighting effect replace bulbs with at least 60 watt
bulbs) don't forget to fill in any nail holes, wipe down the
windowsills, clean the over (yes, they will look), bleach sinks and
bathtubs, dust the blinds, clean the windows and last, but one never to
forget...always make the beds before you leave.
4.
Fresh up- let some air in. Open the windows for at least 10 minutes to
eliminate any stuffiness. Cut up a lemon and run it through the garbage
disposal to freshen up the kitchen, and add bleach to all the toilets.
Invest in a scent burner and chose a scent like chocolate chip cookies
or fresh apples, it will entice buyers.
5. Let
there be light! Open the drapes and blinds and let the sun shine in. If
you have a particularly dark room, purchase a floor lamp that will
bounce light off the ceiling.
6. Bring
the outside in- grab your garden sheers and go to town. Clip fresh cut
flowers, twigs, fern stems, dried leaves, hand picked fruit, you name
it. You will be amazed at how fresh and clean your house looks (and
smells) by utilizing what you have in your own backyard.
7. Play that funky music- playing soft jazz can help create a soothing environment and camouflage neighbor and traffic noise.
8. Create
groupies- a common misconception is that a room looks bigger if all the
furniture is pushed up against the walls. To create a more inviting
space, float the furniture away from the walls and create a cozy
conversation area.
9. Be
Switzerland- keep it neutral. Painting a room a fresh neutral color
will help tone down any dated features in the space. Bold walls have a
way of reducing offers and price, so it's best to go with neutrals. If
you have any rooms with questionable colors, invest in a gallon of
Roasted Sesame Seed or Oklahoma Wheat paint and get painting!
10.
Color me beautiful - purchase some new throw pillows for couches and
beds to freshen up the area. Get creative with art work: frame Campbell
soup labels for kitchen art work, frame pretty wallpaper for art work in
the living room, put some toothbrushes in a shadowbox for fun bathroom
artwork.
Remember
you can only make one first impression on buyers...make it your best!
For any questions, feel free to contact Kimmie at 801-209-8787 or
Kimmie@holmeshomes.com
