Marketing your home: the power of First and Lasting Impressions

Walk into any supermarket and you’ll see packaging and product placement that is the results of millions of dollars of market research and professional graphic design. There will also be dusty corner of dented cans and graying meat marked down for quick sale. Making your home attractive to a home buyer follows the same principles: capture attention, appeal to the senses, keep it shiny and new looking.

Giving your home added sales appeal will help it sell faster and bring the best price!

Start with the outside:

1. Landscape to enhance the view from the street.  A well cared for lawn, neat shrubs and trees and clean walkways create that critical first impression.
2. In season, fertilize the lawn to make your grass lush and green.
3. Cut back any shrubs or trees that are oversized for the home, or that block light from the windows.
4. Paint the exterior of your home as needed.  If an entire paint job is not needed, consider painting shutters and windows frames.
5. In the winter, keep walkways and driveways free of snow and ice.
6. Check the roof and gutters.  Replace any missing shingles, secure and repair any loose or missing gutters and downspouts.
7. Highlight the front door with a fresh coat of paint and some seasonal flowers.
8. Put bright paint on the mailbox.
9. Repair any broken steps or walkways.

Kitchens sell homes:

1. Bright and attractive are the key concepts in kitchens.  Evaluate and paint walls and/or cabinets if needed.
2. Make sure windows are bright and clean.  Paint the trim, or add bright curtains.
3. Clean the ventilating hood.
4. Replace the floor if it is worn.  Repair or replace any cracked or loose tiles.
5. Clear the counters to make the room look larger.  Stow toaster, coffee makers, mixers, etc. in a nearby cabinet.
6. Put out a display of flowers or fruit for aesthetics.

Bathrooms must sparkle:

1. Repair dripping faucets and running toilets.  Unclog the drains.
2. Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms.
3. Use special cleansers to remove stains from toilets, tubs, and sinks.
4. Check the walls for cracks or nail pops.  Repair and paint them.
5. Investigate ceilings for leak stains.  Fix the cause of the damage, repair ceiling, and repaint.
6. De-clutter the cabinets and linen closet, get rid of those lotions and potions that are over 1 year old.

Housekeeping seal of approval:

1. When painting and decorating the living and sleeping areas, avoid distinctive colors.  Stick to conventional neutrals and soft shades.
2. Faded curtains and bedspreads can be dyed bright colors.
3. Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it to make it look inviting.
4. Wash windows – let the sun shine in.
5. Replace broken glass and mend torn screens.
6. Replace burned out light bulbs.  Use brighter light bulbs.
7. Be sure light switches and windows are all operating.  Lubricate sticky doors and sliders.
8. Clean and polish floors.  Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads.
9. Straighten closets – get rid of excess.  This also makes for easier packing later!

Basement, Attic and Garage:

1. Clean out the attic, basement, and garage.  Dispose of everything you are not going to move.  Box and store anything you won’t need until you are settled in your new home.

When you’re ready to sell you home, I help my clients prioritize a list of refurbishments.  Present a home that is bright, clean, and in good condition, and home buyers will create a list of reasons they’d like to live there.  Skimping on maintenance and showing cluttered, dusty rooms and closets requires convincing and usually financial incentives for a buyer to take on these tasks.   Packaging does indeed matter, and can boost your bottom line when selling.