The exterior of your home often determines how buyers will view the interior, so:
Try to see your home with a fresh perspective and arrange each room to bring out its best attributes, including:
Strategically lighting your home, even during daytime showings, can create a cozy mood and highlight positive attributes of each room, so:
Try to look at your house "through the buyer's eyes" as though you've never seen it or been there before. Any time or money spent on these items will bring you back more money in return, and hopefully a faster sale.
Occasionally, you will receive a call to schedule a showing to take place within the next few minutes. The following is a checklist for this type of panic:
Sound
Turn off the television and tune the radio (low volume) to a soft rock, middle of the road or classic rock station.
Sight
Turn on every light in the house (day or night) and open every drape and blind (day time only).
Odors
Heat some frozen pastry slowly in the oven or heat a pan on the stove and then drop in a few drops of vanilla.
Kitchen
Wipe kitchen counters, place dirty dishes in dishwasher.
Bathrooms
Wipe counters, flush and close toilets.
Living/Family Rooms
Hide magazines, newspapers, and games; remove clutter.
Bedrooms
Straighten beds. Hide clutter under bed (not in closet).
Exterior
Put away toys and clutter. Keep walk clear.
Children & Pets
They are a distraction, so send them outside.
Goodbye
Sorry, but this is the single most important thing you can do in a showing to help sell your home! Even if the showing agent insists that it is okay to stay, you must leave. Buyers must get emotionally committed to your home to buy it, and they cannot become emotional about "their new home" if you, the current owners, are "hanging around." Please, at the very least, go into the backyard. Even better, go to the store.
Which items will add value to your home and help with resale when the time comes to sell?
The answer is: “Only the ones that future buyers will also want and be willing to pay for.”
As a general rule, choosing the functional over the merely cosmetic and choosing neutral over unusual or exotic will pay at resale. Taste and current trends can also affect the value of an update. Unusual colors have a limited appeal.
Hurricane protection is a top priority for Gulf Coast buyers. Impact-rated windows and doors cut storm-prep time and can qualify for insurance credits, so buyers see them as a real feature.
Do this: Keep the product approvals and permit paperwork together, and have a wind mitigation inspection done so the savings are documented.
Roof age and condition can decide whether a buyer gets insured, and at what price. A roof near the end of its life often leads to price negotiations or a failed inspection.
Do this: Get a roof inspection before listing. Repair what's minor, and talk with us about whether a replacement makes sense for your home's age and price point.
Buyers here ask about flood zone and flood insurance cost early. Showing that your home is prepared reduces their uncertainty.
Do this: Locate your elevation certificate and flood zone documentation. Fix drainage and grading problems. Raise or protect exposed equipment like AC units, and keep records of any flood vents or flood-resistant materials.
Kitchens and baths still carry the most weight with buyers. You don't need a full gut remodel: new hardware, lighting, fixtures, countertops, or fresh paint can freshen a dated space. Choose timeless finishes over bold trends.
Do this: Fix anything worn or broken first, then update the finishes buyers notice first.
Ready to get your home market-ready?
