You only get one chance to make a first impression, and never is this sentiment more crucial than when it comes time to sell your home. You want prospective buyers to come in and love the way the house looks, and more importantly you want them to be able to visualize themselves living there.
The most effective way of doing this is by staging your home appropriately and effectively. Approximately 86% of buyers can better envision themselves living in a home that is staged as opposed to one that is not. The home staging process is more intricate than patching a few holes and garnishing couches with throw pillows. Staging involves an in-depth look at the needs of the house to ensure it sells quickly and for the best possible price.
At SAUNDERS, SAXTON & WINTER, we have the knowledge and experience to help provide sellers with the tips they need to sell their homes. Here are a few ways you can help set yourself and your home up for success as you enter the market.
Tips to Help Leave Great First Impressions on Buyers
Distance Yourself from the House
Before you can successfully sell your house, you need to break up with it. You must understand that it will no longer be your home and that you will be starting the next chapter of your life in a new place where you and your family can form new memories. Doing this will make the house-selling process less emotional, which will make it go a lot smoother.
Empty the house of all personal items, including family pictures and any other objects that will make it harder for potential buyers to picture themselves calling the house their home.
Curb Appeal is Essential
Before a new buyer even steps foot into a house for sale, they will first judge the home’s exterior, whether looking at it online or from the street. Roughly 63% of the people who look at your listing online will drive by the home to see it in person. If the home doesn’t offer strong curb appeal, the chances of them wanting to go inside dip exponentially.
Curb appeal should set expectations for what awaits inside and cause potential buyers to feel excited about walking through the front door. The exterior of your home should entice people to want to know more about what the property has to offer. You need to ensure that the roof looks good and that the outside of the home isn’t patchy in colour or showcasing damaged siding. The landscaping needs to be well-kept, free of lawn clutter, and with greenery mowed and trimmed. Place some potted flowers out front to add some colour and make the entrance more welcoming.
All these steps greatly improve curb appeal, and therefore your chances of selling your home promptly and for the highest possible price.
Fix Anything Broken
The last thing a prospective buyer wants is a list of projects that will need to be done if they move into the house. Most buyers want to be able to move in with minimal work needing to be completed. Do a meticulous walk through the home and look for anything that you wouldn’t want to see if you were considering buying that house. Make a list of all repairs that need to be made and start tackling them as soon as possible.
Tasks such as fixing holes in walls, replacing carpet or flooring that is coming up or discoloured, making sure all light fixtures are working and have new bulbs, and that no faucets are leaking are small but meaningful repairs that can make a huge difference in the overall appearance and value of your home.
Keep the House Clean
Depending on the market climate, showings of your house can happen often so you need to make sure your home is always ready to be looked at. Start with the outside and work inwards. Power wash the outside of your home, as well as your walkway and driveway if possible. Remove all clutter and keep only things you need. Leave only a few dishes in your cupboards so there is less to wash and clean up all messes immediately.
Always keep your home in a clean state, as if you are expecting guests at any moment. If you stay ready, you don’t need to get ready!
Focus on Small Renos
If your home requires some renovations, make a list and prioritize the smaller jobs. Larger renovations can be costly and affect your return on investment. Altering things like flooring, countertops, and appliances can make a significant difference without cutting too much into your ROI.
Whether you are looking to sell your home or buy a new one, the SSW team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to arrange a home evaluation and let us help make the home-selling journey a smooth one.
SAUNDERS, SAXTON & WINTER is your trusted local real estate group. If you’re looking to join the exciting Oakville community, or are looking to sell in the area, contact us for a free consultation!