Thinking of putting your house on the market? While spring and summer months are traditionally when home sales across the country increase, in Charlotte, you can go on the market at almost any time. According to local real estate trends, sellers are able to fetch more for their homes this year than last year. Homes are selling in fewer days on market and at closer to asking price. All good news.
We consulted COTTINGHAM CHALK HAYES for tips on getting a house ready to sell. Make your property stand out from all the others by following the advice of professionals.
First Impression- Curb Appeal
All the Realtors mentioned this one. Getting a prospective buyer into your home starts with curb appeal.
Lucy Moore Butler‘ s advice
Sellers have one chance to make a first impression – just one – that will make or break the sale. Buyers judge a house based on the exterior first, then quickly make their minds up as they walk through a house as to whether or not it makes the list to consider. Beauty has to be more than “skin deep†but the looks from the street have to lure the prospects inside. The yard and landscaping has to be manicured and green. The exterior colors, condition, and light fixtures have to be up to snuff. No negatives on the outside, including dirty cars in the driveway.
The Front Door
If a potential buyer has gotten this close–they are at the very least interested. Don’t blow it. Make the door and porch perfect. A little attention to detail goes a long way here.
Donna Anderson‘s advice:
A lasting impression is the one potential buyers will get while they are standing at the front door waiting on their Realtor to get the key out of the lockbox. They will have a minute (or maybe more) to stand there and look at your front door. Use this opportunity to make a fabulous impression! Make sure the door is clean and in good condition. Don’t be afraid to add a brighter, fresh color to the door with paint or pots of fresh live plants in bloom. Brush away those cobwebs from around the light fixtures. Sweep out from under the welcome mat. And for that matter, make sure the welcome mat is fresh and welcoming.Make sure the door opens smoothly and does not stick. It is the little details that can make or break a positive impression.
Light It Up
Bright and cheery is the key. Clean the windows, take down heavy curtains, increase the wattage of light bulbs, trim the bushes to allow the sunshine in. Think bright house=happy house.
Freshen Up
A great way to get big results with little money. A new coat of paint, replace door knobs and cabinet hardware, re-grout the tub and clean EVERYTHING.
Anne Bell‘s advice:
“Always make sure your paint- both on the interior and the exterior- is in perfect condition. A good paint job goes a long way! Freshly potted plants and a manicured lawn go a long way as well when a buyer first pulls up to the home. You only have one chance to make a first impression!”
Becky McGrath‘s advice:
“Paint is fashion for a house. Paint can cover imperfections, bring a house up to date, smells clean and fresh and can evoke an emotional response. What better way to help a buyer fall in love!”
De-Clutter/De-Personalize
The more personal items in the house the harder it is for the potential buyer to picture themselves there. Remove photos, awards, newspapers, magazines, toys, exercise equipment, refrigerator art…etc..go minimal.
Lisa Spear‘s advice:
The best way for a homeowner to make the best first impression without spending any money is to declutter and make sure the home is sparkling clean. Remove all knick-knacks from countertops and focus on displaying one special piece, rather than lots of little items. For a kitchen, the special piece can be a glass bowl heaped with colorful fresh fruit. Use this philosophy in every room—especially the baths—remove all personal items from the counters and display a stack of clean folded, white towels. Turn all the lights on—your home will show at its best!
Half Empty Closets
Take half the stuff out of your closets and store it or box it up. Organize what is left. This simple step makes the closets look bigger and we all want bigger closets.
For more details about preparing, listing, or buying a home contact
COTTINGHAM CHALK HAYES
6846 Morrison Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28211 704~364~1700 / 800~722~1772
