Sell your home faster, for more money – 6 do’s and don’ts

# 1  Don’t turn off the buyer (at the start)

First impressions count. Starting at the curb, does your house have a warm, welcoming feeling?  (No, not like this photo)   Don’t make the mistake of under rating curb appeal.  What the buyer sees on the outside is what they will imagine is on the inside. For ‘how to’ ideas go to homestagingchannel.com

# 2  Don’t forget about feelings (they matter)

Wow, I’d love to live here! (Mmm, not so much)  Go room by room, remove anything that makes the room looked cramped or cluttered …  knick-knacks, personal belongings, over sized furniture.  But keep in mind, your home still needs to be warm and inviting.  A few easy fixes …comfy blankets draped over furniture, fluffy pillows, a few throw rugs, candles.  For more ‘easy on the pocket’ ideas go to thenateshow.com.  Nate Berkus has been a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

# 3 Don’t forget function (can’t live without it)

Less isn’t always better. Here’s advice from Home Staging Expert, Sabrina Soto,  … “Make sure your furniture placement allows for easy traffic flow and shows the purpose of each  room. If you have too much furniture, rent a portable storage device to hold things until you are ready to move into your new place. And if you don’t have enough furniture, borrow or rent. ”   Go to hgtv.com

(PS and please, don’t park the storage unit in the driveway).

# 4 Don’t be afraid of color (it sells)

Color (or lack of) influences buyers. Color will give you the biggest bang for the buck.  Yellow cheers. Green balances. Blue refreshes. White enlivens all the other colors. “Creams, beiges and soft browns can brighten a room without overpowering it”. TLC Discovery, Cristen Conger tlc.discovery.com  For more color inspiration go to benjaminmoore.com and  bhg.com (Better Homes and Gardens, color-a-room)

# 5 DO make repairs (money in the bank)

You see it as a minor repair. Buyers see it as a major deduct off the purchase price. Make sure your home is in good order, fix leaky faucets, install that much-needed railing, mend kitchen drawers that jam.  This Old House gives helpful advice on making repairs along with project budgets.  Go to thisoldhouse.com

# 6 And DO clean, clean, clean (elbow grease)

That does not mean a home reeking of bleach and disinfectant, but it does mean squeaky-clean. “If your home isn’t clean, it instantly sends up negative thoughts that the home is not well maintained,” advises Sandra Renamato, HGTV’s “Property Virgins.”  Go to hgtv.com
In a nutshell, always romance your buyer.

When a shopper can actually envision themselves living in a home, the price becomes far less of a factor. In our experience, this has a markedly positive effect on a home’s selling price. Your house now becomes the most sought-after one on the street.

Christine & Barbara
DéCor Amoré, Inc.

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