First Impressions are Lasting Impressions
How your property appears from the outside is important. To make a good first impression on
a buyer, a clean driveway, a freshly mown lawn or a trimmed hedge will work wonders. One of the first things a buyer will notice is the need for painting. If your property looks like it needs painting, many buyers will
form an unfavorable impression.
It's the Little Things That Count
Make sure the front door is spotless, including the doorknob, and that the windows gleam. It’s easy to improve the appearance of any room. You may want to replace worn rugs or small pillows, put new towels in the bathroom or brighten up a room with a vase of flowers.
Cleanliness Counts
Once inside your property, one of the key factors that influences its appeal to a buyer is cleanliness. Most important is front hallway, the kitchen and the bathrooms. Do a room-by-room cleaning. The state of the carpets can also be a determining factor. At the very least, have your carpets cleaned, and if they are worn, it’s wise
to replace them, or remove them if there is hardwood underneath.
Less is More
Clutter makes a poor impression. In closets, cabinets, kitchen countertops and other storage areas like basements, pack anything not needed for daily housekeeping. To make each room in your property look larger, get rid of or donate unnecessary furniture. Walk through your property and think: “Less is more.”
Repairs
Make sure everything is in good working order. Things as little as dripping faucets, squeaky steps and loose doorknobs can easily create a bad impression and reduce the value of your property. A few hours
spent on repairs, whether by yourself or a tradesman, can pay big dividends when an offer is made.