1. Night Lights
A lot of people aren't aware that potential home buyers often drive by your house at night. If you don't have adequate lighting to highlight your home's features, invest in a new porch light and some ground lighting to highlight your walkway or features in your landscaping.
2. Curb Appeal
Elevate your curb appeal by cleaning your yard, mowing and edging your lawn, and trimming any shrubs you have. Fix any first impressions that may catch buyer's eyes such as cracks in concrete, weeds, broken porch posts, ugly doors, and any clutter that may be stored in front of your home. Also, if you have a mailbox, be sure it's charming and that your doorbell works well and makes a pleasant, audible outside.
3. Prep Inside
The first step to preparing your home for sale is to remove any unnecessary items from the home so they can imagine their own things in it. Less is more when it comes to furniture and decor. Leave the bare minimum for furniture to depict how large the space is, and then include decor only where you want features highlighted or the eye drawn. An expert tip is to remove all but 1/3 of your closet contents and get matching hangers. Be sure to shampoo all carpets in the home or install wood flooring. Apply special attention to staging the bathrooms with a fresh roll of toilet paper (V.I.P. folded, over not under, and pointed down in the shape of a triangle), brand new hand soap, new guest towels, and a clean looking shower curtain. Dress beds with attractive, cohesive bed sets.
4. Make All Small and Inexpensive Repairs
Buyers will look at all functioning items of the home and tally even the smallest repairs. Be sure to repair all leaking faucets, defective or squeaky doors, light bulbs and fans, freshly caulk bathtubs and showers if necessary, replace filters, inspect and clean the hot water heater, and make appliances as presentable as possible. You can even include a sheet of paper attached to appliances explaining their desirable features or share with potential buyers your average electric bills and other home expenses specific to your property.
5. Appeal To Senses During Open Houses
Having all the lights on, blinds open, a candle lit and fresh cookies (preferably freshly baked for the scent) will appeal to buyer's senses and make them feel at home already. Remove all pet belongings, including bowls and food. Empty trash cans & close toilet lids.
