It’s important to remember that the exterior and the interior of your home are what buyers are looking at to determine if they could see themselves living in your home. It’s important to prepare both the inside and outside of your home before showings.
What to Do to Prepare:
Outside
Powerwash
- Sometimes a home may require a fresh coat of paint, but sometimes it may just need a good ol fashioned cleaning. A good trick is to use just a little bit of bleach to kill any mildew. Don't forget porches, decks, and patios too!
Tackle the Obvious
- Most buyers will be getting a home inspection so do yourself a favor and walk your property, look at your home, and make any repairs that you notice need fixing.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
- If the power washing isn't enough, consider giving your home a fresh coat of paint. Choose a neutral color that is appealing to most people. If you can't paint the whole house, at least consider painting the door and the front trim to make the home warm and inviting.
Front Door Hardware
- When entering the home, the first thing potential buyers notice is the front door. Spruce up your home by changing the front door hardware.
Mow the Lawn
- If your home is on the market, make sure your lawn is mowed twice a week. You want the home to appear clean and have excellent curb appeal!
Landscaping
- Remember how important the outside of a home and curb appeal is to a potential buyer. If the grass isn't green, put a sprinkler in the lawn to add water. Make sure that weeds are pulled from flower beds, mulch is added, and colorful plants are added. Also take some time to trim shrubs and trees that may be blocking windows or be in the way.
Outdoor Living Areas
- Position your furniture outside on the deck or patio to show increased space. Place potted plants outside to make the area warm and inviting
Pests
- Make sure the outside of your home is free of spider webs, termites, bees, and other insects that could deter potential buyers.
Inside
Keep Your Home a Comfortable Temperature
- Make sure to crank up the AC a little when you know there are showings so that buyers get a reprieve from the heat and are nice and cool when viewing your home!
Keep it Bright
- Be sure to have the lights on and the shades open. Promote natural lighting as much as possible
Deep Clean
- Remove anything that can be considered as dirt, dust, grime, or negative. Buyers want to see that the home they are purchasing is in pristine condition
De-clutter
- Remove everything that you don't need for daily living so that the home appears more spacious and inviting.
De-personalize
- Remove all your personal items and pictures. Buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in the home. De-personalizing allows them to appreciate the layout of the home and preplan how they could structure things when they move in!
Don't Forget the Ceiling Fans
- Ceiling fans are often neglected and are one of the dustiest parts of your home. Make sure to keep them clean and running to show how effective they are in keeping the home cool.
Stage Your Home
- Keep your decor summer friendly. This helps to make your home more welcoming and increases the value.
4. Disclosures and Inspections
We are very familiar with the legal procedures involved in disclosures and are ready to help you develop a thorough disclosure statement beneficial to both you and the buyer, as well as suggest home improvement measures before placing your property on the market (such as termite and pest inspections). It is important to understand that when completing these disclosures that you are as honest and forthcoming as possible about any information regarding the home.
5. Showtime
Presenting your property to potential buyers is a job that we will take care of for you. Buyers feel more comfortable discussing the property with their agent. There's no need to worry about being there, your COSTA agent has you covered! Moreover, your agent will know what information will be most useful in representing your interests when speaking with prospective buyers.