When a buyer pulls up to your home in person for a showing or looks at your home online they will have an immediate first impression. Having your home showroom ready for the internet pictures and for every showing is an absolute must.

Some of the fixes are very simple and only cost just a little of your personal time to accomplish them. Don’t just focus your cleaning and organizing on the inside make sure you also focus on the outside of your home.

For every showing make sure you are leaving the home. Many buyers are not comfortable when a seller is present during the showing.

Outside curb appeal:

• Mow your lawns on a regular basis and keep your shrubs and bushed trimmed.
• Add colorful flowers or maybe bushes if needed.
• Keep your sidewalk, porch and the driveway swept
• Update any dated or damaged outdoor fixtures.
• Store all outdoor toys.
• Fix damaged gutters, shutters, siding or roof shingles.

Leave your house while it’s being shown to potential buyers. Your presence can make them feel anxious and awkward.

 Inside appeal:

Clean everything and de-clutter everything!! Look high and low for the dust bunnies and the cobwebs.  Hold a yard sale or rent a storage unit when needed. Keep in mind – Less is more.

Additional things you can do are:

• Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls.
• Depersonalize your home by removing any family photos, keep wall decoration to a minimum and store any trophies.
• When the flooring is worn, replace it! When it is dirty, clean it!
• A bright home will sell quicker. Open blinds, shades and replace bulbs to a higher wattage.
• Address any odors. When you can smell it a buyer can too.
• When you have a pet: Take the pet with you while the home is shown

An organized, repaired, updated and clean home will sell quicker. For additional information feel free to contact a Settles Team Agent.