Tip #1: Keep Things Neat
Not only should the inside of your client’s house be neat, but the outside should be tidy as well. Make sure the lawn is cut, the bushes are trimmed, and the flowers properly planted. Pick dead buds off of stems and collect any dead leaves around the base of trees. Also, dust any cobwebs off of light fixtures or window panes. If an area of the house looks shabby because of chipped paint, fix it. You want the exterior to shine; after all, it will be a potential buyer’s first look at the house. If they’re not impressed by the outside, what will make them curious about the inside?
Tip #2: Think Bathrooms and Bedrooms
Two important rooms that can really help sell your home are the bathroom and master bedroom. Bathrooms that are messy should be cleaned. Clean up any loose hair or toothpaste in the sink, and don’t let your clients display their toiletries where everyone can see them. Instead, display the “best towels, mats, and shower curtains,” says RE/MAX.com. Also, make the master bedroom appear as spacious as possible: “Get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must if real estate sellers want buyers to be able to imagine relaxing there.”
Tip #3: Organization Is Key
Make sure that any closets you open will be organized. Have your client organize shoes on a shoe rack. Hang jackets, fold sweaters, and if there’s anything that can be given away or thrown away, now’s the time to do it. After all, according to RE/MAX, “The better organized a closet, the larger it appears.”
Tip #4: Eliminate Distractions
While pets may make your client’s home look more “homey,” they may also deter potential buyers from making an offer. Why? Because pets can add more than charm to your house — they can add dirt, noise, and smells, as well. If your client has a cat, make sure all cat toys are picked up and stored. Clean out the litter box and sweep up any excess hair. Birds should be kept inside their cages, where loose feathers and droppings should be removed, and dogs should be kept behind a gate or outside, where they won’t jump on or bark at potential buyers.
