Increasing your San Diego Home's Appeal
When it comes to selling your home, remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create the right first impression. Buyers tend to be very critical when touring a home and it’s your job to make them realize that your home is a winner. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal to the buyers.
Outside
The exterior serves as the face of the property since it is the first area that the buyers get to see. The main goal is to set a welcoming and desirable mood before buyers even enter your home.
· Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
· Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
· Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
· Tighten and clean all door handles.
· Clean windows inside and out.
· Power wash the home's exterior.
· Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
· Paint the front door.
· Buy a new welcome mat.
· Place potted flowers near the front door.
Inside
Once the buyers are in the interior, your aim would be to have them see what it’s like if they were living in the house. Remember to keep all rooms spacious for the buyers to visualize where their own furnishings may be placed. Furthermore, your personal belongings (picture, mementos, etc.) should be limited so buyers can get a better idea what’s it like owning the home.
· Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
· Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
· Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
· Shampoo carpets.
· Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
· Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
· Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
· Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
· Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
· Fix or replace discolored grout.
· Replace broken tiles.
· Replace worn countertops.
Special details for showings
The best way of increasing the desirability of your home is to maintain the buyers in a buying state of mind. The following are great tips how to achieve such vibe:
· Turn on all the lights.
· Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
· Keep pets secured outdoors.
· Buy new towels for bathrooms.
· Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
· Replace old lamps or lampshades.
· Play quiet background music.
· Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
· Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
· Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party (i.e. fine china, silverware).
· Vacate the property while it is being shown.
