Colour in
Okay, so you are also going to have to spend some money. Try some new towels and rugs in your bathrooms and put out new kitchen towels. Chuck out the rags.
Flowers make a home more inviting so get fresh flowers. Put a vase in your entrance and some in your formal lounge. Get a few nice green apples or lemons and put in a bowel on the kitchen table.
People sometimes choose a house based on the beautiful furniture of the current owner, so if your lounge suite is looking a bit worn, cover with a bright coloured throw. Do the same if your bedding is a bit worse for wear.
A second opinion
We all have a friend or family member that has a good eye for décor and good style. Invite him or her for a cup of tea and get a second opinion on your furniture arrangement. Sometimes by just moving a few things around you get a much better picture. Keep in mind that you want to keep your traffic flow areas open, as this will ensure a feeling of space. You may have to pay a fee and consult with a décor consultant who will be willing to advise you what you can do. They have a trained eye and the fee will be well rewarded in the sale price.
Have percolated coffee available. Coffee makes people feel right at home. There are not many things as inviting as the smell of percolating coffee. See how often tired shoppers stop off at a coffee shop. It’s the aroma. Visitors will feel at home the moment they walk in the door and will feel like spending more time, without realizing why they want to. Ask the agent to offer them some coffee when they arrive.
Some soft soothing music playing in the background is a bonus as this invites your visitors to spend more time. Rock and roll gives the message of “hurry up”.
A friendly inviting estate agent will also be better than one who has to just sit there because they have to. Ask a friend to go for a view on show day to test the reception they receive and report back to you. Any suggested improvements can be corrected on second or third showings.
Getting your home ready for show
The market is not great at the moment, yet it is the house that is inviting that will sell and even at the asking price if the seller knows just how to get his or her home show day ready. There are a few tips that can assist in making your home spic and span before potential buyers come knocking on the door for a viewing.
Get rid of the clutter
Clutter makes a home appear smaller and gives the impression that there isn’t enough storage space. Pack away anything that is not a piece of furniture or an ornament. This includes remotes, games newspapers and magazines, extra blankets, toys, shoes and tools.
Favorite clutter areas are normally kitchen tops. Pack as much away as you can as this will make your kitchen seem larger. Clear your bathroom especially around the bath. No, we don’t want to see your razor blade and bubble bath. Coffee tables are easy places for dumping. If you don’t have anywhere to pack these, try getting a few storage boxes that complement your décor. Just remember, keep your cupboards tidy – people do look inside them.
Spring clean
A neat and tidy home makes a lasting impression. So go on, clean, clean, clean. Don’t leave any dirty dishes or even clean ones in your sink. Make sure you have washed the floor and cleaned the carpets, and that the beds have that “army” crispness about them.
Have a look at your window dressings. Make sure they hang neatly and that you have enough hooks to make sure they do. There is nothing worse than that “knit one, slip one” look. Polish your furniture and dust. Make sure you wipe dirty marks off handles, door frames and walls too.
Clean up your garden in the same way. Wash and sweep down the driveway and pick up all the rubbish. Water your garden before you leave. This will set free a multitude of fresh fragrances and make your garden look healthy.
Clear the air
There is nothing like bad odours to deter prospective buyers and a bad smell will be one of the first things your prospective buyer will be aware of. If you have animals, clear their paraphernalia away for the day (doggy beds and pieces of chewed hide). Make sure you vacuum all hair, and spray a fragrant air freshner before you leave. Make sure that all your bins are clean and empty. Put your municipal bin in a far corner somewhere.
A tidy home will always sell.
