Show and Sell
Rhonda Heaslip | 10 May, 2007 09:04

A lot of people think that cleaning up the house, calling their Realtor, and putting the "For Sale" sign out on the front lawn is all they need to do when it comes to marketing their home. But to they know that proper presentation can bring a faster and more profitable sale? It is similar to preparing a store for a big sale. Yes, advertising is a key element; but when the customer arrives are they going to fall in love with anything?

An atmosphere with engaging curbside appeal to draw them in the door is needed. Once in the door, they need a reason to stay....immediately. Staging your home, either on your own or using a professional stager if you prefer, will pay off in the end. The cost of staging (versus the first price reduction because the home wasn't prepared for sale) is worthwhile. It is simple enough to address. Clean up and de-clutter the yard. Keep the lawn and gardens manicured. If it has snowed, keep the driveway and walkways cleared.

If your home could use a fresh coat of paint, do it prior to listing; inside AND out. Wash the windows, de-clutter, de-personalize. Clutter can make people feel uneasy, even edgy and gives a room a sense of claustrophobic smallness. The Buyer will be focused on that rather than the positive attributes of your home. Show off your best furniture and store the rest. You're going to have to pack it anyway.

In this case, less is more. You want your Buyer to easily visualize their possessions in your home. Choose warm, easy colours for your walls when painting. Fix squeaky doors, broken light fixtures and anything else that isn't quite right so they never have the opportunity to look at any of these things as issues. It also reflects the TLC you have given this home and makes the Buyer feel it has been well cared for. These few changes can go a long way. You want your home to stand out; stand apart from the competition and stick in the Buyers' mind as the most welcoming and desireable choice.

Be smart, be strategic. Fix it, stage it, and sell it!

Return to article index