Easy Ways Home Sellers Can Impress Buyers

Everything in the post below from RIS Media about making an impact on potential home buyers, is helpful and as a home seller, you should absolutely consider these suggestions. But I feel like two of the most fundamental points were completely overlooked.

I’ve shown literally thousands of homes in my nearly 20 years as a Realtor, and yes, a bright home looks more inviting, landscaping does matter, and small details can make a big difference. But it’s cleanliness and first impressions that potential home buyers remark about consistently.

Indeed, I have even had clients who have simply moved on before even entering a home for sale, because their first impression was that the home was uncared for. Attractive curb appeal can create excitement before a potential buyer has even opened their car door. Curb appeal doesn’t necessarily mean elaborate or costly, more often it simply refers to neat and well kept, no deferred maintenance; a mowed lawn, trimmed bushes, maybe a freshly painted front door.

Buyers may not immediately notice when they enter that your home is tidy, however I can guarantee you that they notice when it’s not. Pet odors, dirty dishes, cloths strewn on bedroom floors and tripping hazards like kids toys, are all major turn-offs. Potential home buyers are trying to picture their life in your space. If your life is attracting too much attention and they can’t imagine how they would fit in, they will be inclined to simply move on to the next listing.

Just knowing that a bit of preparation can net you top dollar for your home, should be all the motivation you need to make a few easy adjustments. When your home is tidy and you’ve double-checked your curb appeal, the tips below will help you with staging your home using things you already have. Keep in mind that while highlighting or adding interesting features is certainly appropriate, it’s always wise not to go overboard.

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If you think a mansion-like size, a swanky neighborhood or lavish grounds are the only way to impress visitors to your home, think again. While those characteristics can certainly be awe-inspiring, it’s really the small details that create ‘wow’ moments for potential home buyers. Consider some of the following ideas for evoking oohs and aahs from guests or would-be buyers if your home is on the market:

1. Lighting. No matter how small or ordinary your house may seem to you, the right lighting will create mounds of atmosphere and immediately elevate your home into the ‘wow’ category. Use bulbs that are the right temperature to create a warm, glowing effect as opposed to a glaring, harsh experience. Then place your lighting strategically to highlight the most unique features of your home, such as two sconces or lanterns by your front door, or ground lights shining up into beautiful trees. Pathway lights help create a welcoming feel and string lights on a porch or patio instantly up the entertainment factor.

2. Paint. The right paint color will completely change the feel of your home, both inside and out. While neutrals are both attractive and safe, being a little daring with on-trend shades will really evoke the ‘wow.’ Try one of the many popular shades of gray, go bold with a jewel tone, or create a moody tone with a muted shade of blue. Also think outside the box when it comes to how you paint—for example, instead of bright white, paint the ceiling an eye-popping color; or create a patterned effect with painted stripes in a powder room. Go for a dramatic look in the kitchen by painting upper cabinets white and lower cabinets deep navy or charcoal.

3. Materials. Using interesting building materials in surprising places is a great way to spark interest. Try framing the interior of your front door in stone or using tongue-and-groove wood planks for a bay windowsill. Flooring is available in many unique options, such as ceramic tiles or laminates that mimic beautifully shaded wood.

4. Decorative Detail. The easiest way to instantly create a ‘wow’ moment is by showcasing your most prized decorative pieces. Show off a painting or photograph with a bold matting and frame, and add a picture light if appropriate. Incorporate special antique furnishings into the mainstream mix of your home, as opposed to hiding them in out-of-the way places. Fill your sparkling crystal vases with fresh blooms or greenery and place them in the center of your dining and coffee table to be admired by all rather than letting them go unnoticed in the china cabinet.

5. Gardens. If you’ve got a green thumb, your biggest ‘wow’ factor may be your home’s landscaping. A beautifully planted, well-maintained garden is a sight to behold no matter how small it may be or how large your yard. Help showcase your garden with carefully placed decoratives, such as a bird bath, trellis, slate path or stone bench. This will add a welcoming, artistic feel to your patch of landscape.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2020. All rights reserved.