GENERAL CLEANING UP
Most homes are kept clean and tidy, but when it comes time to sell, extra steps should be taken. Cleaning may be more often and focused on the exterior or some other area that normally is not a priority. Windows should sparkle and the fireplaces should be cleaned.
INTERIOR CLEAN UP
Some homeowners tend to accumulate bric-a-brac and many small possessions which can detract from the interior. Potential buyers are trying to look at the walls, floors and ceilings, and too many furnishings will make the space look cluttered, smaller and less desirable. The carpets, floors, walls should be clean. You may want to consider putting down runners between showings to maintain the spotless image. Make sure everything else is in “show” condition.
QUICK TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR HOME
Staging your home is a proven strategy for speeding up the sales process. It can even help boost your home’s value when offers start coming in. By highlighting your home’s strengths and giving prospective buyers a sense of how they’d utilize different spaces, you can help these prospects develop emotional attachments to your home.
1. PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHTING
Great lighting is crucial for making your home look warm and welcoming. If you notice that some areas of your home are dark and dreary, increase the wattage's of the light bulbs in the fixtures and lamps. A good rule of thumb is to have a total of 100 watts of lighting for every 50 square feet of interior space. Also, you should strive for three different types of lighting per room: accent lighting (on a wall or table), task lighting (such as a reading or under-cabinet light), and ambient lighting (overhead).
2. UPDATE YOUR APPLIANCES
Alright, so you might not be willing to spend thousands of dollars on installing new, stainless steel appliances just for staging. However, studies show that new appliances in the kitchen garner high returns for sellers, which means you stand to get a better price for you home.
3. GET RID OF UNNECESSARY FURNITURE
It should go without saying that when staging a home, you need to get rid of clutter. However, sellers often forget about some of the biggest causes of clutter: namely, couches, chairs, and tables. Having too much furniture in your home can make it seem small and cramped. So before you start showing your home, take a walk around and remove furniture items that you can live without. You don’t need to get rid of everything (after all, you want the space to look lived-in), but you want to make sure you’re maximizing available space.)
EXTERIOR CLEANUP
Curb appeal means a good first impression — so how would your house fare? Buyers may form an opinion about the property before they get to see your new bedroom closet mirror doors. Are the lawns mowed, is the roof clean, are there any unnecessary items in the side yard?
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Is there one thing that is an obvious problem? It may be in your best interest to make repairs or improvements. Generally kitchens and bathrooms get special attention, but there may be one feature of the house that stands out, and spoils an otherwise good impression of the property.
WHY YOU SHOULD ENLIST THE HELP OF AN AGENT
The real estate market in Story County and the surrounding areas is in a constant state of change. It can be complicated and confusing. By enlisting a licensed, full service real estate company to help you, you can easily navigate the twists and turns of the process. The advantages to hiring Marc and Amber Olson include:
a) We will procure top-dollar for your home. With our contacts in the community and our in-house marketing, we assist you in making your home outshine the competition.
b) Your home will sell faster because of our reputation as leaders in real estate and in the community. When our listings hit the market, other agents know their clients won’t be disappointed.
c) You will receive a Selling Guide along with a market analysis of your home. We’ll also provide you with an in-home staging consultation if needed, property photos of the exterior and interior of your house, along with aerial drone photography and you will have access to our moving trailer when the BIG DAY arrives!
d) Our marketing. We’ll provide high-end postcards, newspaper ads, deluxe magazine ads, virtual tours and our state-of-the-art web site. Our marketing expert will determine your special needs.
Most importantly though, you will receive dedication, knowledge and integrity every step of the way! Please send us some information so that we may help you begin the process of selling your present home.
