Preparing Your Home To Sell

I am in my 6th year of selling real estate.  Since January of this year, I have shown more homes than in any previous full year.  I have noticed that there is something consistently odd about the instructions real estate agents give to sellers.  By listening and making note of what is important to buyers, I can say with confidence that by implementing the following suggestions, your home will sell faster.

1. Buyers will look in every closet, so start your presale clean-up there. The fewer items in the closet, the bigger it will look. Use the same hangers throughout so it appears better organized.
   
2. Do not paint every room white or light beige.  People want some color.  Grey, taupe, and tan work well. These colors help buyers feel relaxed.
   
3. Bathrooms and kitchens should smell clean. Also, it may be time for Kitty and Fido to go on vacation since some people are sensitive to smells.
   
4. Organize the pantry, laundry room, and kitchen cabinets. Keep them uncluttered, like your closets.
   
5. This is where I get the most disagreement from my peers. Do not remove all personal items from walls, bookcases, or tables.  Please leave your television in the family room. Buyers want to see smiling faces; they want to see a home where their family will be comfortable.  Formality doesn’t work.

Please contact me for more tips on selling your home.  I look forward to hearing from you.