What do model homes have that an occupied home doesn’t have? A lack of clutter ranks high on the list. When it comes to selling a home, applying “model home” techniques can lead to a quicker sale and possibly a higher selling price.
Scientists consider sight to be the fastest-acting and most powerful sense, with eyes taking in around 10 million pieces of information every second. With our eyes capable of assimilating so much information in a short time, the visual “first impression” of a home is critical. A house on the market must look appealing from every angle, and getting that “model home” look on the inside takes planning care.
Since the inside of the home is likely to have the greatest impact on a buying decision, performing a walk-through from the buyer’s perspective is important. a walk-through will provide ideas for highlighting the homes’ strengths, as well as indicate areas that need improvement. If there are repairs that need to be made, such as wall or window cracks, they need to be attended to first. Fresh paint should also be applied, with warm, earthy colors working well on most walls. Accents of deeper, brighter colors can be introduced and used sparingly on outside doors and accessories. Decisions about replacing floor coverings can be made, and new carpeting or tile can be added inexpensively for a look that says “move-in ready.”
Sellers’ may also want to consider investing in a professional cleaning service before listing a home. According to one national survey done in 2011, a $290 cleaning investment gave an approximate $2,000 price increase. Spotless floor and window surfaces make the interior of the home shine.
Next, the home should be mercilessly de-cluttered. As many personal items as possible should be removed, to be replaced by items that are few, simple and classic. Personal items that need to remain must be organized, bundled and relegated to a small area in a drawer or cabinet.
The strategic placement of furnishings in every room will lead to a feeling of roominess throughout. For example, smaller couches or a pair of love seats can open up a living room that was filled with overstuffed sofas and chairs. The sparing use of artwork on the walls will also draw attention upwards and add a feeling of depth to a room.
When it comes to sound, barking dogs should be neither seen nor heard. Hearing is second only to sight in terms of speed, with ears processing one million pieces of information every second. If outside sounds, such as loud street noise, are distracting, windows should be kept shut and a low, pleasing sound track considered.
Our sense of smell is often linked to memory or emotion, so unpleasant smells in a home need to be eliminated. a thorough cleaning can help, but smells that are left behind should not be medicinal or chemical. Scent diffusers can provide a light, pleasant overlay of scent, but overpowering candles or room-fresheners should be avoided. If smoking or pet odors persist, drapes and carpets should be dry cleaned or steam cleaned.
The potential buyer’s sense of touch will be engaged when they open doors, drawers and cabinets. Eliminating squeaks and creaks, and tightening doorknobs and cabinet pulls will give a home a solid, maintained feel.
Yard and landscaping should also be reviewed, with more buyers focusing attention on outdoor living space. Landscaping should be maintained according to the season, with some colorful annuals added if possible, along with filled planters or other ornamental accepts. Lawns should be groomed, shrubs trimmed and dead or dying trees or bushes removed.
One of the last things many sellers consider is signage, but it can make a difference. Have large, identifiable address numbers on a home will make it easy for buyers to find. and small, discrete signs inside, alerting buyers to features they might not otherwise notice, such as a remote-control window coverings, may provide all the help a buyer needs to say yes. We are committed to helping you make great decisions.