Tips and Tricks Prior to Listing Your Home

Woody Allen once remarked that “80% of success is showing up,” and while that may be true of filmmaking, it sure is not the case if you are trying to sell your home. While there are certain properties that are absolutely perfect and sell just because they show up on the MLS, most houses require at least some work by the seller to be in perfect listing shape. Here are some of my recommendations to homeowners who are looking to sell their home!

• Tidy Up – Make your beds, clean out your closets to show their size, take dirty dishes out of the sink, and if you have a cat, then please clean out the litter box. Basically, do your chores because a clean, fresh-smelling house will always show better than a messy one.
• De-Clutter – Walking into a house that is full of stuff, even beautiful stuff, can be distracting. Buyers often begin to look at tchotchkes rather than keeping their eye focused on what is important, such as natural light and architectural details.
• Focus on Curb Appeal – You never have a second chance to make a first impression, so be sure that your lawn and exterior are looking sharp.
• Tone it Down – Many buyers have a hard time seeing past paint colors, so if your walls are wild it would behoove you to paint them a neutral tone. This often makes rooms feel larger, and having somewhat of a blank canvas will allow the person looking at your house to envision it decorated in their own personal style.
• Brighten Up – Take down heavy drapery, add lamps to dark rooms, and make sure that your lightbulbs are all working. People love light!
• Stage It – A professional stager can do wonders for a house, either by removing or adding to your décor (or both!). Consider their services, particularly if a home is empty because empty rooms do look smaller than those with even a bit of furniture. If you do not want to hire a stager, then think like one. Consider moving the pieces that you already have in order to make a room look larger or prettier, or to help define a space.

Most homes can use a little polishing prior to being photographed and listed – it helps them put their proverbial best foot forward, therefore giving them an edge on the competition! Just remember that once you have spiffed up your house prior to listing, it is essential to keep it in its now-perfect shape so that buyers are as wowed by the house in person as they were when looking at the pictures.

If you need help buying or selling a home give Ashley Cusack a call at 305.798.8665, or visit her website at: Luxury Miami Real Estate