The first look a prospect will have at your home is when they pull up in the driveway. Be sure the landscaping and general appearance is attractive and neat. A trimmed lawn, cut shrubbery, trees free of dead limbs, weeded flower beds, a swept and stain-free driveway, clear sidewalks and gutters, etc. will assure a pleasant first impression. Put in plenty of flowering plants. It’s the easiest, least expensive way to beautify the exterior of your house.
As they approach the front door, little things will mean a lot. A clean, freshly painted front door, polished door knob and knocker, clean surrounding windows, screens and window sills will all be noticed. Once inside, the senses take over. The prospective buyer will notice odors and light. If possible, open curtains and drapes, blinds and windows to brighten and freshen the house. In winter, a fire in the fireplace and bread in the oven lends warmth to your home. Fresh cut flowers add color and appeal. If the interior of your home needs painting, consider white or a light, neutral color making the house appear larger, open and bright.
Make sure all rooms are clean and neat. Fingerprints, cracked plaster and clutter should be eliminated everywhere. Fresh paint and polished woodwork will always improve the look and value. Kitchen and bathrooms are the rooms that can really sell a house – or turn a buyer off. Make them sparkle. Fresh, plush towels, cut flowers or silk flower arrangements, new shower curtains, etc. will add luxury and glamour to the most ordinary bathrooms. To make the dining room, living room and bedrooms look big and airy, remove some furniture. The rule of thumb is to remove approximately 1/3 of your furniture. Also consider putting away cluttery looking knickknacks, collections, toys and other unnecessary items. They just draw attention away from your home’s other features and make the house appear smaller and messy.
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