Apply these fast and inexpensive tips to help your home stand out among similarly priced homes in your neighbourhood.
Garden Keep your lawn neat and well trimmed with well-proportioned shrubs. Consider replanting flowers or creating a flowerbed to enhance the appearance of your garden. If it is autumn, make sure the lawn is raked at all times. In the wintertime, if applicable, clear snow from your driveways and walkways.
Front Door Make sure your door is tight on its hinges! Furthermore, the door should be neat and clean. Paint it if it needs it. If the door is in poor shape, consider replacing it. Finally, a holiday ornament on the door, like a wreath, adds a nice touch.
Facade Check for flat-fitting roof shingles, straight lines on gutters, shutters, windows and siding; solid caulking around roof and seams. Apply fresh paint where needed. Also, make sure that the windows are crystal clear; potential buyers often peer through the windows.
Lights During the evening, or whenever you have potential buyers in the home, make sure to turn on ALL lights. This makes rooms look more inviting and spacious. Also, make sure curtains are always up. This lets as much sunlight in as possible.
Smell Frequently underestimated as to which extent it influences our likings. Make sure that you air your home before a viewing. Consider lightening a scented candle, especially in winter and during evening viewings.
Excess Furniture Remove as much furniture as possible. This will make your rooms look dramatically larger.
Living/Dining Room Strive for a lived-in, cosy feel. Discard worn, chipped, frayed furniture. Add lamps to dark areas. Open curtains. Set out fresh flowers on the dining table.
Kitchen Many buyers judge the house by how the oven and stove are maintained. Appliances should be spotless and in perfect working order. Replace or repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips. Clear all clutter from counter tops.
Master Bedroom This is the second most appealing room to a buyer (after the kitchen). Remove excess furniture to make it appear larger. Show the true size of the closet by removing or packing items that can be stored elsewhere.
Bathrooms Make sure bathrooms are always neat and clean. Remove clutter from sink counter tops. Make sure showers are free of scum and tile grout is in good shape. Most buyers pay attention to this!
Spare Room If possible, make the spare room look like a living area; move an extra sofa or loveseat and coffee table into the room. Clear out as much as possible (consider moving it into storage).
Think of your home as a product or service. You need to “package” it attractively to create demand for it. You want to make it easy for potential buyers to become emotionally interested in your property.
Make sure that your home appeals to the potential buyer’s senses: the lights are on, it is full of fresh air, and consider having some classical or jazz music playing on low volume in the background.
