Selling your home can be challenging because it’s all in the details. There are projects to complete, showings to schedule, not to mention, maintaining the home while on the market to attract potential buyers. Details, many times, fall to wayside during daily routines, but it’s important not to overlook those small details that could distract buyers or, worse yet, keep them from making an offer.
Buyers are looking for move-in ready homes that are priced right and presented well. Home stagers understand even the smallest of details can change the overall look of the home. Here are seven small details to remember to make a big impact without spending a lot of money when selling a home.
Clear the corners.
What do the corners inside the rooms of your home look like? Are they piled high with clutter? Maybe it’s furniture? Or are they bare? Take a moment to assess and clear the corners in your home to create more space. These weird, in-between spaces are a natural end point in a room. They can be empty to give the buyer’s eye a chance to rest as they look around.
But, a corner can also merge two spaces together by adding a plant, a round table flanked off the walls or even a reading nook with a comfy accent chair and floor lamp. Avoid hanging art and having too many items, though, in this intersecting space – remember, less is more when it comes to selling.
Make the bed.
Ah, the bedroom – the perfect place to relax and unwind. When buyers walk into a master bedroom they want your bed to entice them to slip under covers, not remind them of hectic mornings. That’s why it’s imperative that when you’re on the market every bed in the home is made daily.
The sheets on each bed should be tucked in and the comforter or coverlet should be in good condition. Why not add some fluffy throw pillows to dress up the biggest focal point in this room?
Rethink your accessories.
Pay attention to the accessories you have on display. Are they complimenting the look of the home’s design? Remove items that are dingy, outdated and smaller than a soft ball to reduce clutter and make room for new items. A seller can easily update the look of a living room by adding new throw pillows and in a bathroom by hanging new neutral towels. Also add some natural elements, like flowers to add a pop of color and soften the entire design.
Swap switch plates.
In older homes, outlet covers and switch plates get discolored and worn out over time. Try to clean them with a damp microfiber cloth, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or, better yet, get new ones – they’re cheap to replace. Make sure all the switch plates are the same material and color in a room, or if you have an open layout, the entire floor of the house.
New hardware.
Other detail-oriented items that go overlooked are often the hardware around the home. Start in the front of your house. Replace or spray paint house numbers, doorknobs and the door’s kick plate (if needed) in the same metal material or color. Inside your home, update cabinet knobs and handles to fit current trends, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Re-grout tile.
Grout lines can show a home’s age quickly when not maintained. Often, grout will be extremely dirty or even start to disintegrate over time, so sellers should re-grout any tile work in the main areas of the home, especially in the bathroom around the floor, walls, countertop and shower.
Once the home has been re-grouted, you should take a moment to re-chalk the areas around your sink, toilet and shower as a way to protect water from leaking around the home.
Use vertical space.
Sellers tend to leave items at eye level or below to easily access what they need and in an effort to not forget about the item. This is obviously great for convenience, but sellers should consider maximizing the home’s square footage and get items up off the floor and out of sight by using vertical space. Make sure your upper kitchen cabinets, any built-ins you may have and your closet shelves are well organized to relieve the floor from clutter.
Sellers should hang shelves or look for a vertical piece of furniture, like a hutch, to take advantage of the space up above. Another way to strategically add vertical space to a home is by adding portrait artwork and mirrors that will force the buyer to take notice of the height in a room.
Planning on putting your home on the market soon? Why not get a head start by prepping the property for sale with our NEW online video course.
Do you pay attention to the details in your home? Let us know in the comment section below and if you have a home staging question don’t hesitate to ask, it’s important to get your home prepared for sale to get the biggest return on your investment.
Happy Selling,
