Different ways to spruce up a sale

By Justin Hunter

Since the beginning of 2006, the housing market has completely turned its back on home sellers. What used to be as easy as calling a Realtor and waiting for the sale to be finalized within the month, has now become a game of wits. Who can outsell who?

There are numerous articles available over the Internet that provide tips on how to appeal their home to potential buyers with scented candles and professional paintings, but the main thing that matters is the condition and appearance of your property.

Servicemagic.com posted the article; “Increase Curb Appeal to Sell a Home,” which provides essential keys towards making sure you home is not bypassed by potential buyers.

“Chances are that potential home buyers will drive by at least once when making the decision. It is a fact that increasing your home's curb appeal will decrease the amount of time it takes to sell your home.”

It is important to have a welcoming and visible entrance. To help ensure you have a clear entrance to your home, you may want to have an objective person approach your front door to see if negative things are noticed.

First you want to make sure that the address numbers are hanging right-side-up and in plain view, not hidden by bushes. Next you want the objected person to let you know if the door needs to be painted or replaced, if the doorknob is polished and doorbell is working and if the railings are sturdy without any paint chipping.

“A clean and neat exterior will let the potential buyer know that you have kept the house in good repair. Hire a window-washing service to professionally clean windows and clear away cobwebs and debris.”

“A main concern for most homebuyers is the condition of the roof. No one wants to buy a house that might need a costly new roof in only a few months. Hiring a home inspector will help identify potential problems, like leaky roofing, that could interfere with the sale.”

Along these same lines, you will want to make sure that your gutters are not rusty and hanging off the roof and the siding is not chipping nor has a negligent appearance.

These areas (roof, gutters, siding) are critical to be kept clean and looking new, otherwise potential buyers will wonder how hard-to-see areas of the house have been maintained throughout your stay.

Now, on to the yard and landscaping.

“Potted plants and a few decorative items will add some character to your home's exterior, and help make your home pleasing to visitors. Well-tended flowerbeds and neatly pruned landscaping will also give a positive impression.”

You may want to consider hiring a professional landscaper to make sure the grass looks appealing with no weeds and that areas where your kids play are not eyesores.

It is also very important to remember that potential buyers will also drive by at night.
“A well-lit exterior will make your home look welcoming and lived in from the street. Leave a few lights on inside the house to give a warm glow from the exterior.”

So sweep those steps, hide that garbage and wait for your house to become someone else’s home.

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