Three Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home
When placing your home on the market you will probably take some time to first get it in top shape. This means clearing out the clutter, scrubbing it down inside and out, and then making sure everything is in good repair. That's why it can be frustrating when no one makes an offer. Make sure you aren't making any of the following mistakes that could be compromising your home sale.
#1: Ignoring the lingering odors
Many buyers lead with their nose, which is why it's vital that you make sure your home is free of odors others may find offensive. If you have pets, make sure that litter boxes are taken outside and hidden before buyers arrive for a walk through and that the house has been scrubbed of all pet odors. It's also a good idea to avoid cooking any meals that have strong odors, since your favorite meal may be unpleasant for someone else. Finally, stay on top of the laundry and always empty the garbage before a showing. You may also want to use some sort of home deodorizer to help freshen the odor of your home, just avoid anything that is overwhelming or that has too strong of an odor.
#2: Making things too personal
Having furniture and a few belongings in place can help sell your home, even if you don't have a professional stager set them up. This is because furniture helps buyers assess the size of rooms, as well as making it easier for them to imagine their belongings in the home. The one thing you want to avoid, though, is making it too personal. It's a good idea to put away family portraits and personal photographs, as well as the small bits that are more personal to your own family, such as kids' artwork or displayed greeting cards. You want a buyer to imagine themselves living in the home, not you living the home.
#3: Ignoring first impressions
It's not uncommon to focus so much on making the inside perfect that you forget that the first impression for any home begins at the curb. At a bare minimum, the lawn should be trimmed and healthy and the front sidewalk and porch should be swept and perfectly clean. An even better idea is to add some color. Matching pot filled with bright colored flowers and fresh coat of paint on the door can make your entrance much more welcoming. If you aren't up for major landscaping, at least make sure the lawn is free of weeds and edged perfectly. These are little touches that can have a big impact on your potential buyers.
For more help, contact a real estate agent in your area.