Making Your House Stand Out in a Tough Market

As the real estate industry continues its downward trend, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sell your home. Prices have dropped, there are more listings than ever to choose from and sellers are giving incredible deals to buyers. Here are a few tips to make your home stand out.  

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the first way to draw attention to your home.  Since it is the first thing that anyone sees, you want the “WOW” factor.  I know people that have bought houses just because of the spectacular landscaping.  I also know people who have not even bothered looking inside of a house because of the condition of the exterior.  Make sure the exterior of the house is in tip-top shape so the potential buyer immediately wants to see the inside.

The following is your list of items to maintain curb appeal:

• Cut grass

• Trim all hedges and bushes

• Add mulch to beds

• Have flowering plants or potted flowers on the porch

• Keep toys out of sight and place in the backyard or in a shed

• Clean all cluttering debris such as sticks, garbage, old newspapers, etc.

• Replace all the light bulbs surrounding the house

You want the inside of your house to wow potential buyers just as much as the outside.  

The following checklist gives ultimate interior appeal.  Make sure all items are completed before the first showing of your house is scheduled.

• Clean!  Every floor, window, closet and cupboard!

• Remove excess clutter, toys, paperwork and knick-knacks.  Clutter makes counter tops and rooms appear smaller than they really are. 

• Paint the walls in dirty rooms or where a room needs brightening.  Bright rooms give the appearance that they are more spacious.

• Make repairs to anything needed – hinges, doorknobs, plaster, steps, plumbing, etc.

• Replace all burned out light bulbs.

• Wash all window coverings.  Open all of the curtains and blinds before a showing.  Natural light makes a room appear bigger.

• Open the doors and windows before a showing to fill the home with fresh air.

When the inside and outside are clean and neat, you may need to provide a bigger incentive to your potential buyers.  If the house has repairs that you didn’t have the time or cash to fix, you can offer credit towards the purchase price.  That way, you acknowledge the repairs and give the buyer a discount for accepting the home as is. 

Another option is to offer an allotment if your house needs new carpeting or flooring.  Buyers like allotments because they get the item new, plus they get to pick out their colors. A win-win situation for everyone.

The time spent cleaning, making minor repairs, and providing incentives for major repairs, will make your home stand out above the competition.  Although these little fixes may require some time and effort, selling quickly in a tough market will be worth the effort in the end!

About Author: Marty Orefice is the president of USLeaseOption.com a successful real estate company that specializes in rent to own homes for sale by owner. See how you can advertise your lease option homes online and have buyers contact you directly.