Tips On Selling Home
First impressions count in everything but even more so in
property. A recent survey conducted in the USA established
that a client's first impression is formed within the first
30 seconds of the viewing. One might consider it as a love
at first sight
. Well if it is let us try and understand
the chemistry. I strongly believe that when we acquiring a
property we are purchasing an investment as well as a lifestyle
and the latter makes the choice and sale an emotional one.
This is therefore where the secret lies - Create a lifestyle
that sells.
When presenting your home I would suggest that you take some
time to step outside your own front door and approach your
own home as if it is your first time
critically! Look
for the things you have learnt to live with. The front entrance
is really so important when making that first impression because
it is really the face of your home. The following are some
easy improvements to help give you a facelift at a minimal
cost:
· The front Garden should be clean and tidy
· Clean, repair and illuminate the walkway
· Give a fresh coat of paint to the façade
· Paint the main door or restore its luster by polishing
the hinges and knobs
· Fix broken windows and keep the glass crystal clear
· Accessorize and decorate with pots and hanging baskets
if possible
· Put out a clean new welcome mat
On the other hand internally the property, should be neat
and tidy, all paintwork should be clean and free from cracks,
stains and chips should be touched up, whilst, colours should
be kept light and neutral when selling your home. In addition
to the obvious, there are a number of simple but highly effective
sensory tools you can use to create a pleasant ambiance. Creating
an exciting and saleable interior can be accomplished at a
surprisingly little cost.
Studies have shown people react positively to properties
shown under bright light. Even during the day leave the curtains
wide open, remember you are used to how bright your property
is but your potential client is not. At night switch on all
lights and, replace any fluorescent tubes to avoid making
the place look dull.
Classical music playing softly in the background can create
tranquil atmosphere of serenity - otherwise go for peace and
quiet, avoid loud noises, barking dogs, children and the television.
Smell has more impact than you might think. It can work either
for or against you. It is therefore very important to make
sure that the property, especially the kitchen and bathroom
is thoroughly cleaned. Lemon oil or fine polish on your furniture
certainly add to richness. Placing flowers throughout the
house enhances the aura. For a delicious, homely feel, one
can consider placing a dish of vanilla in a warm oven to create
the aroma of freshly baked cakes or bread. Freshly brewed
coffee has the same effect. For those of us who are in a constant
race against time, a ready to bake cake can do the trick.
In my experience, a few small cosmetic improvements can have
an enormous impact on the way buyers react to your property.
This does not necessarily mean that you will get more money,
but a little effort can make all the difference in attracting
buyers - particularly in a very competitive market as ours,
or if you need to sell quickly. After all, if you saw two
identical properties but one, as opposed to the other, was
neat, clean and peaceful - which one would you choose? The
choice is obvious. Small things do make a difference in creating
the right 'feeling'. My advice to clients is to make sure
to get the 3 S's right - sight, sound and smell. This is what
creates a lifestyle that sells.
Remember, potential buyers will form an opinion about your
home in the first 30 seconds - so it's important to ensure
that it's a favourable one. A house that is neglected feels
unloved and uncared for. Prospective buyers will be put off
- conclusion to which could be a possible loss of time and
money.
The key is not to try anything too big - otherwise you're
almost certain to loose money. If, for example, your home
needs a completely new roof, then the most sensible option
is simply to adjust the asking price accordingly. No buyer
will pay Lm 5000 more for your property simply because that's
what it costs to re-roof it.
Stripping your personality from the house -
When viewing a property, the home buyer imagines what it
would be like to live there. If strong personal statements
dominate a home, buyers are less likely to be able to visualize
living there.
There are many ways your personality shines through:
· Unusual art or furnishings
· Unusual wall colours
· Strong odours from tobacco, pets or cooking
· Sounds of loud music or television
· Barking dogs or noisy children
· Powerful political or religious statements
· Excessive number of personal photographs
A buyer can be put off by any of the above and feel your
house could never become their home. You can dramatically
increase your property's market potential by paying attention
to detail. You are selling a lifestyle as well as a home.
When showing your home to a prospective buyer, avoid having
too many people present. Friends and family may be very well
meaning but in this case less is definitely more! Be polite,
but don't try to entertain your buyers. They want to inspect
your home - not pay a social call. Never apologise for the
appearance of your home. After all, it is your home! And,
if you are asked why you are selling, don't hesitate to be
honest about it unless it is too personal.
Promoting your home is fun. Don't hesitate to give it a try
Back
to previous page
|