Clean. Your
home must sparkle! To achieve this level is often only
feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a
cleaning service return weekly while your house is for
sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your
windows professionally cleaned inside and out too.
Fix. Got a
dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the
wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed
before you put your house on the market is a smart idea.
Eliminate Clutter.
The "50% Rule" requires that you eliminate the
clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the
hardest rule of all! We love our clutter - - it reflects
our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn't sell
homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and
disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really
expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free
layout, while "cheap" stores are often a jumble of
merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has
as a central focus the elimination of clutter.
Executive Neutral.
Neutral colors sell. It's a fact. Try to convey an image
of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking
through your home want to imagine themselves as the
owners. If you use styles or colors they would never
select, you've just turned them off. Staying
high-quality, but neutral is safest.
Mortgage Calculator
Change any of the numbers below to calculate your mortgage or loan payment. Your
monthly payment will be automatically
calculated while you are typing.
De-personalize.
Remove objects that your potential buyers won't be able
to identify with. For example, political and religious
items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they
cannot "imagine" your home as their home. Buying a home
is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers
to make an emotional connection with your home by being
able to "see" themselves in it.