As always you never get a second chance to make a first impression so don’t forget these last-minute details to further enhance the buyer’s emotions. Your home has been professionally staged and is ready for potential buyers.

Open House Day!

1. Set out vases of fresh-cut flowers. They’ll make your home smell nice and add a splash of color.
2. Double check: toilet lids are down, beds are made & trash cans empty
3. Let in the light. Buyers want a bright, open house, not a dark and dreary cave. Turn on all the lights and open all the curtains.
4. Adjust the temperature. Keep the home comfortable — not too cold or too hot.
5. Serve refreshments it will encourage buyers to stick around longer, giving them more time to check out your home.
6. Soft jazz/elevator music in the background (on each floor) to set the mood
7. Heat up a dish of vanilla in the oven to create a warm home smell
8. Have flyers available with photos
9. Set out all documents pertaining to the house: Inspection reports, appraisal. Major repairs & warranties Blueprints for additions or future possible improvements
10. Leave! You’re probably proud of how fantastic your house looks right now, but don’t stick around to point this out to buyers. The last thing you want to do is make them feel uncomfortable. Spend the day out and about and let your perfectly prepped home sell itself!

 Need help getting your home staged? Click HERE!

Guest Blogger: Cathy Bormann 

Photo Credits: boulderite and Elandil

Share on Facebook

Yes, I said lipstick.

You know, a quick fix to look prettier? I “borrowed” that from someone a few years ago. Can’t remember who, but I’ve used it since. It works out perfectly in the real estate world. Pretty houses sell….

I often hear the question…what does my home need to sell?

The answer is easy. Really…it is.

Your home must look great, be in good condition, and must be priced right. Period.

Know this…a buyer is looking for a home that stands out from the rest. They want that “feeling” when they walk in the door. Shag carpet isn’t going to do it!

Many don’t want to spend the money to update

I’m not asking you to remodel, or even do anything unnecessary.  Just step outside of your own shoes, become the buyer, and walk through your home.

Is your carpet dated or worn? Replace it.

Are your walls white or too bright? Paint them.

Is your house dirty, dusty, or piled to the ceiling? Fix it!

Realtors offer staging advice and will even recommend or hire a staging service for their sellers. Listen to them…they know what they are saying!

Check out these quick fixes

This homeowner had VERY dated carpet, paneled walls, and older appliances and fixtures. Replace these…and things look much better. First picture is before, 2nd is after. Enjoy!

Have more questions? There are definitely more answers. Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com

Share on Facebook

It’s our first local business feature!  Since spring market is just around the corner, you should know about this local company.  I spoke with Andrea Hansen of Curb to Curtains and below is a summary of what she had to say:

Have You Heard?

Curb to Curtains Home Services, LLC

How long have you been in business?
One year.

Describe your business:
Our goal is to help you achieve the most out of your home. We are a full-service company with a wide range of skills and experience. We offer three primary services:

General Contracting/Home Repair
Whether you are completing a remodel or creating an inviting outdoor space we can get it done.
 
DIY Consulting
This service is for the do it yourself person who may appreciate an expert eye before moving ahead. We can take a look at your project, offer advice on how to achieve the results you’re looking for and send you on your way with confidence. We can even check back through the various stages.

Home Sale Consultation and Preparation
Whether you are currently trying to sell your home or preparing to put it on the market, we can provide you with a one time consultation and help you prepare it for the market.
Our consultation service includes a comprehensive exterior and room by room interior assessment as well as a prioritized list of recommendations because time and money is usually a constraint for most homeowners. We include staging tips using your own things and can even give you great photos to provide you or your real estate professional.
 
What makes your business unique?
We canʼt stress the value of our consultation service enough. Todayʼs buyers have a lot of options and are looking for curb appeal, appropriate updates, and inviting and clutter free spaces. We help homeowners see what potential buyers see and then help the homeowners focus their time and energy. Itʼs easy to justify the $150 dollars for our consultation if it means potentially raising your asking price or selling it faster in todayʼs slower moving market.

Who is your typical client/customer?
Home sellers looking for an edge in todayʼs real estate market or homeowners considering a remodel or addition to their home but seeking input on the best use of their resources.

Where can we find you?
We live and work in Johnston and serve the Des Moines metro area.
You can visit us at http://www.curbtocurtains.com/

asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com

As always, my blog is filled with my own opinions and are in no way the opinions of  Prudential First Realty.

Share on Facebook