Get ready, it's showtime!
Five simple tips to get your listing ready for its closeup!
Now that you invested time, and most likely some money in getting your home ready to sell, it’s time to show it off! With a large percentage of sellers living in their home while on the market, we recommend these 5 simple tips below. These tips are meant to not only show your home in its best light, but also have a quick turnaround for that last minute showing!
Tip 1: Have small plastic bins or baskets on hand
A simple solution for surfaces that accumulate day to day items, especially when it comes to bathrooms and the kitchen. Have a small plastic bin, or basket in each room. That way, when you have an open house or a last-minute showing - you easily store these items in a cabinet or closet. This also works great for kids rooms to hide any excess toys, or personal items you may not want out. If you would like something more decorative, Target has some great options that change seasonally.
tip 2: let the light in
Condo at 2310 W St Paul - listed by Michelle Martin with @properties Christies International Real Estate
All inventory by Signature Staging
This applies to year round, but especially in the darker winter months. Lighting is so important to not only show off a home, but proper lighting also gives a feeling of warmth. Simple tips to achieve this:
Open all window curtain panels and raise any window blinds
Create a lighting layer around each room with floor and/or table lamps. Choose warm bulbs for lamps rather than the bright cold ones. Here is a great article by Homeadvisor on the difference between the two.
If you must have window curtains for privacy, change any dark colored ones to a neutral linen or light fabric.
Clean all windows and remove screens.
If you need to camouflage a view, install white sheer panels.
tip 3: knock, knock…housekeeping
You know that feeling you have when you come back to your hotel room after a long day, and your bed is made and you have fresh towels in the bathroom? A buyer wants that feeling walking through your home.
Take the time to neatly make your beds and put out fresh towels on all towel racks in the bathrooms. If you’re feeling really ambitious, run a steamer over bedding for a crisp and clean look. Create that relaxed and clean appearance for your buyer to linger a little longer.
tip 4: don’t forget the pets!
If you’re like us and have pets, they are definitely part of the family (and most likely have a lot of toys). However, when showing your home the evidence of having pets should be minimized as much as possible. Make sure all toys are picked up (this is where Tip 1 can apply), hide any litter boxes outside or in an uncommon area such as a closet, and most importantly, remove the pets from the premises. For our feline friends, have a dedicated spot they are in, and be sure to communicate this to whoever is walking through the home.
One other thing to consider with pets is that sometimes there are odors you cannot avoid. You don’t want any offensive odors to turn off a buyer, so open up some windows to get some fresh air in, or light a candle with a very neutral scent prior to a showing. For a more natural scent, here is a great article from Better Homes and Gardens on natural ways to eliminate odors.
tip 5: perform a quick clean to floors and surfaces
Going back to our previous blog, doing a deep clean prior to going on the market is never a bad idea. That way, you hopefully just have general spot and surface cleaning prior to a showing. Always wipe down the kitchen and bathroom surfaces and give the floors a quick sweep. Also, take a few moments to go through the home and put any laundry away and fluff the throw pillows on your sofas. Little details like this can go a long way to a buyer who is looking to make your home their new home.