How To Create The Ultimate House Showing Experience
The Houston real estate market experienced its first sales decline in six months during this past July, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. While the decline in sales reached nearly 9 percent over the previous year, the market saw its largest supply of homes since November 2012. This is a trend that is expected to continue throughout the year. Houston home buyers grow more cautious with their home purchase decisions. It is more important than ever that sellers and their listing agents step-up their game and wow every potential buyer with an unforgettable house showing experience.
When it comes to preparing your home for buyers, the goal is to create an environment that allows the buyer to envision the property as their own. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, seventy-one percent of sellers’ agents believe a clean, neutrally designed, and well-staged home increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer. It may not be necessary to spend hundreds, maybe event thousands of dollars on a professional stager. However, helping buyers fall in love with your property takes more than running the vacuum and fluffing pillows.
An experienced listing agent will equip you with a seller’s checklist to help you prepare your home to sell. However, below are a few value-add tips that even the most experienced agents may fail to mention.
Enhance the Curb-Appeal
The old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” holds true. This is most noteworthy when trying to impress a new homebuyer. In addition to featuring a well- manicured lawn, consider other things: Adding decorative outdoor lighting & a splash of color with appropriate seasonal flowers. Also, remember that first-impressions and curb-appeal starts online. It begins with professional photos which showcase the most desirable outdoor angles and spaces. It ends when buyers walk through the front door. So, consider making your front door an exterior focal point by updating the paint with a vivid bright color and simple wreath.
Set the Interior Mood
When stepping through the front door, greet buyers with a pleasant scent and temperature. Consider adding fragrant plugins or oil lamps around the house. Also, set the temperature at a comfortable 72 degrees, and turn ceiling fans on low to circulate the air. Lighting also plays an important role when setting the mood. Be sure to open binds and curtains, as well as a few lights, to ensure the house is well lit.
Go Beyond De-Cluttering
Presenting a clean and well-organized space is clearly at the top of the DO list when trying to sell a home. However, take additional steps to remove bulky furniture, small kitchen appliances, and non-essential personal items. This can help make the space feel larger and may keep potential buyers from being distracted when imagining your home as their own. Place a nice bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter. Add simple but decorative towel sets in the bathrooms. Update bed linens and curtains. These are all simple efforts that can go a long way in helping the home feel clean and updated.
There are many other modest steps that can be taken to enhance your homes appearance in an effort impress buyers. When the supply of homes are plenty, the competition to sell is fierce. So while it may take a little effort and money to de-clutter and de-personalize your home to create the ultimate house showing experience, it’s well worth the work.
For more helpful tips for selling your home, checkout the seller resources at RealtyinHoustonTX.com.