Make access easy
Make it easy for a buyer to physically get to your house. Pay attention to any obstacles in the way — has the neighbourhood snowplow left a mound at the bottom of your driveway? Eliminating these makes a difference to that first impression.
Focus on first impressions
You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: a buyer makes up their mind within the first 8 seconds. A lot can happen in those first 8 Mississippis — do a scan of the front of your house and the entrance to make sure it’s clean and tidy.
Light up your house
Turn on all the lights before you leave, day or night — even the ones you forgot existed. A dark house looks a little sad in the daytime and downright scary after dark. A brightly lit house feels fresh and airy. Open curtains and blinds to let natural light in, and if you want to go the extra mile, use higher-wattage bulbs.
Warmth
Make sure the heat is on at a reasonable level. No buyer wants to walk into a cold house in winter and fear losing a toe — a warm house invites buyers to linger and see all the features that make it a great buy.
Deal with odours
Make sure your house smells fresh and clean. Get rid of unpleasant odours — and don’t try to hide them with air fresheners or scented candles. Buyers can usually see through this, and some have allergies, so scents often read as cover-ups.
Clean and declutter
Put away dirty dishes, toys, or anything that makes a room look messy. Vacuuming is a must if you have a pet, as buyers could be allergic — you don’t want them leaving covered in pet hair. A quick pass over the floors makes the house look and smell clean, fresh, and airy. You can never spend too much time cleaning.
Pets
Consider taking your pets with you when you leave. Some buyers have allergies or find pets intimidating — and buyers who love pets might spend their time playing with your dog instead of admiring your pristine house.
If you’re thinking of selling, get in touch and we can set up a no-obligation meeting to discuss the best way forward.
