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Seller's Institute
Easy and Simple Tips for Maximizing the Sale of Your Home in Sunnyvale
Give Your Home “Sales Appeal”
Determining the optimal sales price for your Sunnyvale area home depends on the state of the real estate market, a value analysis of what other homes in your neighborhood have sold for and, perhaps most importantly, the condition of your home. One of the best ways to ready your home for showings is to look at it through the unbiased eyes of a stranger.
Determining the optimal sales price for your Sunnyvale area home depends on the state of the real estate market, a value analysis of what other homes in your neighborhood have sold for and, perhaps most importantly, the condition of your home. One of the best ways to ready your home for showings is to look at it through the unbiased eyes of a stranger.
Work from the Outside In
The first thing potential buyers see is the front of your home. If it’s not warm and welcoming, that first impression may color the buyer’s feeling about your entire home. Cross the street and look at your front yard. Are there toys, tools and bikes strewn about? Pick them up. Does your landscaping look crisp and neat? If not, hire someone to pull weeds, trim hedges, plant blooming flowers and edge the lawn. Make the porch warm and welcoming. Place pots of flowers near the door, touch up any peeling paint, buy a new doormat and clean the glass panes on your door.
Next, walk around the sides and back of your home to make sure
- Gutters are aligned and clean
- Windows/screens are spotless and free of garden debris
- Fences are in good repair
- Roof is clean and in good condition
- Driveway is clean and has no visible cracks
- Downspouts are in place have clear drainage
- Outdoor storage sheds and garages are tidy
Make It Look Like Anybody’s Home
One of the most valuable tools you can use to ready your home for showings is the good, old-fashioned, plastic trash bag. Removing excess clutter is one of the easiest, and most economical, ways to prepare your home for sale. Clean up excess toys, books, magazines, bric-a-brac, clothing and anything else that makes the home look unkempt. If you can’t bear to part with your things, rent a storage locker to stash away the excess until you move.
Buyers tend to respond positively to homes in which they can picture themselves, their furniture and their possessions. It’s to your advantage to make your home look and feel as “neutral” as possible. You may love your brightly painted rooms and colorful carpeting, but they may be off-putting to buyers. Suggestions for de-personalizing your home include:
- Paint the walls beige, white or cream
- Replace colorful carpeting with neutral carpeting or tile
- Remove family photos
- Store spiritual/religious items out of view
- Avoid cooking heavily scented foods before a showing
When There’s a Showing: 30 Minute Quick Tips
- Replace burned out light bulbs and turn on lights
- Open all drapes and shades
- Tune radio to soft or classical music
- Move pets and their things to a neighbor’s home
- Make beds
- Take out the trash and recycling
- Unclutter the desk
- Organize and straighten computer disks, video games, CD’s
- Wipe bathroom vanities
- Put out clean towels
- Store small kitchen appliances in cupboards
- Wipe refrigerator, stove and dishwasher
The Sunnyvale Real Estate Team is happy to help advise you about which improvements will help you recoup the most value for your investment. Please contact us for a complimentary home staging consultation.
