Ask Jean Posts Tagged as Home Selling Tips

Who wants snow tracked through the house by potential buyers?  You want them to see it, but you don't want the mess.  Put down a bright and cheerfully colored doormat. This serves two purposes: keeps the house clean, and says "welcome" at the same time.

You could also provide umbrellas by the back door.  Those wishing to see the yard can protect themselves from the elements.  They'll appreciate it.  The secondary benefit to you? The buyers perceive your attention to detail as indicative as to how well you maintain your home.

Remember to keep the heat on, too.  You want to convey warmth in every sense of the word.  If the buyers are cold, they won't want to linger in the house.  Make sure they feel at home.  After all, your goal is to make this THEIR home, right?

We know you love your pets.  They're part of the family, right?  Over time, we become nose-blind to just how badly they can smell.  When you're listing your house, be sure you've eliminated all traces of pet odors.  Having the house professionally cleaned is the best way to be sure your home smells and looks fresh. 

Pet dander can trigger allergic reactions to a lot of potential buyers.  Your sale will be lost before you can say "achoo!" Remember that you want to attract the most people as possible to your home.  Make it a welcoming environment. Not everyone is as enamored with Fido and Fluffy as you are.

Once the place is clean, remove all pet paraphernalia.  This includes food bowls, dog beds, litter boxes and cat climbing towers.  Take the pets out of the home during all showings. While it's inconvenient to you in the short term, it will help buyers to see the space itself.  The other items are a distraction.

Placing candles strategically throughout the house helps.  Or, put a pot of simmering water on the stove.  Fill it with cinnamon, apples and nutmeg to mimic the smell of apple pie.  If you have time, bake some brownies and leave them on the counter.  Not only will it be comforting to smell, you've now left a sweet taste of home in their mouth.