Selling homes has become one of the most competitive sales markets in the nation. With more and more homes being listed, how can you ensure that your home gets the attention it deserves? Well, the best way to create some excitement in regards to your home is to have local realtors talking about it. To get local realtors talking about it, the home must be in great condition. The following is by no means a comprehensive list, but there are certain things that realtors and buyers will look for when viewing any home.
Odor - This plays a huge role in the overall atmosphere of a home. If there are pet odors, cigarette odors, or indeed any negative smells in the house it will not get the reaction you want. The last thing you need is for your home to be known as "the stinky house."
Curb Appeal - The visual impact that a house has on first glance is one of the most important aspects of a home sale. If the home is not attractive from the street then it won't generate the buzz that you will want it to have. Some careful work on the home's exterior with a focus on landscaping, gardens and paint will help to enhance the curb appeal of a home and will make it more appealing to buyers.
Fixtures - This applies to everything from outlet covers to lights and faucets. Old and out-of-date fixtures can make a home look old and tired. Updating these items can bring new life to a room and give the home a distinct and cared-for look. This also helps to eliminate leaky faucets which cause water seepage and if left for too long, more serious problems like mold & mildew.
Carpets & Floors - Old stained carpets and scratched floors or faded linoleum can quickly bring down the value of a home. Conversely, new flooring raises the value and the buyer interest. Carpets can easily be shampooed if they are savable, but you know without question if your carpets are too far gone to save. Likewise with the floors, installing a new laminate floor can drastically improve the look of any room. For areas like the bathroom and kitchen consider using tile as it is highly resistant to damage and water.
Paint - If the interior of the home feels drab and congested, try painting the walls. Light colors make rooms look larger and more open. If the room feels cold, try using a warm tone of paint to bring a cozy feeling to the area.
Remember that while people may enjoy an older theme to homes, they still want all the benefits of modern convenience and technology. It does not take long to do many of these upgrades but they can drastically improve any home's selling power. If you want to create a buzz about your home, take the time to ensure that the buzz is positive.
