  Joey Crews People selling their homes all want to know what they can do to help it sell quickly. Today on the blog, we’ve got some excellent advice from Joey Crews, Listing Specialist with Keller Williams Realty in Anniston. From general maintenance to removing clutter and increasing curb appeal, learn to approach your home with a buyer’s eye so you can give them what they’re looking for.
We all know the importance of first impressions, and it’s no different with your home. Make that first impression count by amping up the curb appeal. Create an inviting front porch with a nice front door, potted plants, one or two pieces of furniture, and a newly stained or painted floor. Keep the lawn cut and free of debris, trim the hedges, and wash the windows. Stage outdoor areas like patios and decks with cute chairs, tables and flowers so that potential buyers can envision themselves utilizing that space. Remember, the outside of your house is the first and last thing people will see. Once the potential buyer has gotten in the front door, it’s just as important to continue that good impression. Your home must be cleaner than it’s ever been yet still strike a balance between clean and “lived in.” You are essentially selling the floors, walls, and ceiling of your home, and they must be in great shape! For wood floors, consider having them refinished if they’re in poor shape, or place rugs strategically to cover any blemishes. If your floors are in good condition, don’t cover them up; showcase them! Polish your tile, grout, and countertops till they shine, and hire a professional carpet cleaning service or have your carpet replaced if needed. Clean and clear floors, surfaces, cupboards, and closets of all unsightly items and clutter. Clearing clutter and keeping a sophisticated, neutral décor are paramount in attracting buyers. You want your home to be remembered for those gorgeous hardwood floors or those amazing light fixtures, not that weird color of purple that’s in the living room. Rich, mid-tone neutrals like khaki and tan with red undertones create a polished backdrop that pulls everything together. Neutrals also make your home move-in ready and will not discourage the buyer who doesn’t want to paint before they move in. Pull your furniture off the walls and arrange it in pairs or around a coffee table so rooms look inviting and conversational. Neutrals are also important for staging your master bedroom. Create a room that is gender-neutral that will appeal to everyone. Remove personal items and rely on clean, crisp linens, tasteful artwork, and a folded blanket at the foot of the bed. Also remember to clean up those closets and leave the doors open. Buyers love to peek inside closets, and closets can be a make-it-or-break-it selling point! Aim to have 20 to 30 percent of open space in each closet. In keeping with a neutral décor, use only perfect personal accents, especially in the bathroom. Bars of soap and towels must be pristine. You can showcase that amazing, white fluffy bathrobe, but not that nubby one you’ve had for ten years. The same goes for the dining room. Make sure your table is clean, and accent it with a simple runner and small vessels down the middle. A large center piece can look too stiff and formal. It's also important to keep children’s rooms and “extra rooms” neat and tidy. Clear away toys and messes so that buyers can see it’s possible to have a neat, organized kids’ room in your home. Stage extra rooms you’ve been using as storage so they don’t look like a dumping ground. Each room should have a clearly-defined purpose, whether it’s a bedroom, office, or playroom. A big factor in selling homes is pet odor. If you have pets, get all rugs steam cleaned and be extra vigilant about vacuuming and washing surfaces. Keep pet toys and doggie bones hidden when house tours are scheduled, and try to conceal that a pet has ever been in your home. Hide food, water bowls, beds, etc. Some buyers will never buy a house that a pet has lived in. Your pets may be family members, but they’re not the buyer’s family members! Lastly, make sure to keep up general maintenance on your home. Clean, repair, or replace all doors and windows. Replace all burned out light bulbs, dust fixtures, and turn off ceiling fans. Touch up chipped wall paint and remove scuffs or discolorations, or repaint your walls with neutral colors. Most importantly, make any heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and built-in appliance repairs so that all systems are in normal operating condition prior to showing. The most important thing to remember (aside from hiring Joey Crews to market your home) is to create a lifestyle people are looking for. Approach your home with a “buyer’s eye.” Would you buy your home if you were the buyer? You want other people to be able to see themselves in your home and imagine the possibilities! You can contact Joey Crews and his team on his Facebook Page or by visiting Calhoun-Homes.com.
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