Curb appeal can get potential buyers through the door. It’s up to you to make sure they like what they see once inside. There are relatively easy, inexpensive interior improvements you can make to enhance your home’s overall attractiveness and accent the best features.
Anything that says, "This home has been carefully maintained" makes a difference. Cleanliness is number one. Windows, floors, and bathroom tiles should sparkle (e.g., no moldy caulk around the tub). Shampoo dirty carpets; repair dripping faucets; oil squeaky doors, and wash finger marks off of the walls. Small investments can have a big bottom-line payoff. Keep your home clean and tidy at all times while it’s on the market.
Remove as much clutter as possible. Cluttered spaces tend to look smaller. Clean the basement, garage, and attic and get rid of as much "stuff" as you can. Remember, if you don’t get rid of it, you’ll have to move it! Clean all of the closets in the house and organize contents. If you have liners on your shelves, make sure they’re fresh and clean. If you have a lot of furniture in any rooms, consider putting some into storage. Your rooms will look larger if they’re not crowded. If any rooms are particularly drab or have worn-looking paint, repaint them if you can - preferably in a soft, neutral white. It’s a good idea to remove most of your personal knick-knacks. The photos of your nieces and nephews and your daughter’s little league trophy make it harder for buyers to "place" themselves in the space.
When your home is being shown to potential buyers, make it as attractive as possible. Put fresh flowers in strategic places (e.g., in the foyer where they’ll help make a good first impression) and fresh guest towels in the bathroom. If possible, on the day you’re expecting a potential buyer, pop a batch of quick-bake cookies into the oven for a welcoming aroma. If you don’t have time to bake, put a teaspoon of vanilla extract on a plate in a warm oven for ten or fifteen minutes - it will smell like you baked cookies. But be careful, don’t assault potential buyers with strong smells; avoid air fresheners and scented candles.
Cosmetic changes do not have to be expensive, especially if you’re willing to do the work yourself. And costly home improvements may or may not be a good investment when you’re preparing to sell. Keep the value of other homes in the area in mind whenever you consider improvements. Remember that potential buyers may not share your tastes and may not want to pay for the upgrades you’ve invested in. If your home’s value is more than 20 percent above the average, it may make it more difficult to sell. If you do make major changes or improvements, keep them simple and neutral.
