Showcasing Your Home

The second step in the home selling process is to make it easy for potential buyers to find your home attractive. Keep in mind that there are many things that go into a buyer's perception of a home. The following will help ensure that someone shopping for a place to live will want to make your home their new home.

Curb Appeal - Believe it or not, it is estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across the street from your house and take a good look. This is how others will view your home. This will be the first impression your home makes on the potential buyer so make sure it's a good one! Here are some tips for creating a home with great Curb Appeal:

• Clean any clutter out of the front yard.
• Park extra cars away from the house.
• Trim shrubs.
• Mow the lawn and plant flowers.
• Wash away any dirt from the front porch and walkways.
• Obtain a new welcome mat.
• Clean windows and screens.
• Make sure roof and gutters are in good condition.
• Paint the siding.
• Polish the front door handle and door bell.

Clear the entryway and clean house - This will be the second impression! Make sure the entryway to your home has a clean, open feeling. Pick up any clutter around your home and clean the carpets. Remember that interested buyers may also want to look in your closets and appliances, so assume nothing will go unseen.

Fix what needs fixing - Buyers often perceive that repairs will cost more than they actually will to fix. By spending money to fix little problems in your home, you may actually make more on the sale. By taking care of these things, it will not only make your home more appealing, but it will increase its worth in the eyes of the buyer.

Paint walls a neutral color - Homes are highly personal and walls that are painted a neutral color make it easier for the buyer to imagine their own décor in your home. In the mind of the potential buyer, the idea of papering or painting a neutral wall feels like less work.

Create an inviting atmosphere - This important point is often overlooked. Fill the home with welcoming smells by burning scented candles, baking a pie, or warming some vanilla extract in a pan on the stove. Prepare your home as if you were welcoming a good friend. This is how you want potential buyers to feel in your home.Welcome!

1. What Is Value?
2. Selling Your Home
3. Showcasing Your Home
4. Pricing Your Home
5. The Selling Process
6. Seller's Closing Costs