What is Your Home Saying?

There are many ways to make buyers feel welcome when they are viewing your home, but none so easy, and obvious, as a welcome mat! A good first impression is key, and a brand new mat says you care about your home, inside and out!

Not all homes have old and worn doormats, but most of them do! That’s if they even have one at all! I went to preview a home about a year ago, and as I climbed the front steps, I noticed that not only was it doormat-free, but the outline of where it had been was still there. I knew the home was vacant, but the removal of the mat made the home seem very sad, and I hadn’t even walked in the door yet. It made me wonder if the owners had removed other things, like the light fixtures, or the mirrors in the bathrooms.

My first task in was to add a new welcome mat. What a difference it made! An open house the next weekend produced two offers, after being on the market for six months without any interest!

I can’t think of another item that can be added to a home, costing under $30, that makes a “statement” like a welcome mat. I know there are fancier mats out there, but I recommend the very simple ones, always with the word “welcome”.

Kitchens Can Sell Homes!

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It certainly is a key feature if you are trying to sell your home. 

But, what exactly are buyers looking for? Most would like to find a home with a new or remodeled kitchen. Countertops made of the newest materials, quality cabinets, modern lighting, and top of the line appliances, are sure to capture their attention. Kitchen trends change, so if you are planning a remodel, a trip to some model homes might be a good idea.

What if remodeling is not in the budget? There are some simple rules to follow to make your existing kitchen look the best it can.

Buyers are looking for space: on the counters, in the drawers and cabinets, in the pantry, everywhere. Clear your counters of everything, with the possible exception of a coffee maker (if it’s a newer style, in good condition) or an attractive set of canisters. Don’t make the mistake of taking everything from the counters and storing them in the cabinets. Cabinets should not be more than two thirds full. The same goes for drawers. Items stored on top of the refrigerator tell buyers you don’t have enough space in the cabinets.

Kitchens seem to be the catch-all for busy families. Make sure the refrigerator is stripped of all pictures, children’s art, magnets, menus, etc. Don’t share your schedule with buyers by leaving your calendar in full view. Mail should be out of sight of prying eyes, also.

Small rugs should be removed, to make the kitchen area look larger. Put the minimum amount of chairs around your table, and if you have a leaf in your table, it might be a good idea to remove it.

If possible, pick up pet dishes before a showing. Buyers want to see a clean kitchen, so make sure surface areas including floors are spotless. Try to keep cooking odors to a minimum. Buyers will look in your oven, so make sure it is clean.

The kitchen can make or break a deal in selling your home. Make sure you’ve taken the proper steps to insure that your kitchen is a plus!

Less is More!!!

Decorating your home to fit your lifestyle, and decorating your home to sell are VERY different! You may have displays of treasured collections, items you have picked up on your travels, or family memorabilia.

There are two reasons to pack it all away when you put your home on the market. The first is that your display may be so interesting, that buyers pay more attention to it than your home. I did a consultation at a home that had a border of plates depicting different animals displayed along the top of the living room and dining room walls. I could just imagine the buyer’s focus directed at this collection instead of the features of the home. The second reason is for the safety of your possessions. The only way to guarantee that your belongings don’t get broken or stolen, is to pack them away out of sight.

What is a good rule to follow? Less is more! Do you have photos or artwork hung on every wall? This is a good place to start editing. Blank wall space allows the eye to rest, and makes it easier to take in the surroundings. It will also make a space appear larger. Remove anything hung on a wall, when that wall is less than two feet wide. Place artwork on the larger walls only. For tables, shelves, or other surfaces, stick with the “Rule of 3.” Remove all but three items from each table. For example—a coffee table might have a plant, a decorative bowl, and a large book. This rule works for the kitchen counters, or a fireplace mantle, too.

Remember, buyers will open closets and cabinets, and if everything is filled or overflowing, it will appear that your home does not have enough storage. Remove one third of everything in each closet, kitchen and bathroom cabinet or drawer, and pack them up. Is your garage or basement bulging at the seams? Buyers pay attention to these two areas, also. This would be a good time to clean out what you don’t want to move with you. You’ll be surprised at how much room you will have, and buyers will be impressed with the amount of space.

Getting your home ready to sell takes time and hard work, but when your home sells, you will be glad to have some of the packing already done.