Before you put your house on the market, it’s best to put a shine on it. The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference. It’s possible to show your home at its very best without investing in expensive and time-consuming renovation and redecoration.

1. Create powerful curb appeal.
Curb appeal is a subjective, intangible quality that has buyers thinking emotionally rather than logically. We’ve all experienced it: The moment when you drive up to a home and it’s love at first sight. There’s just something about it. Something calls to you and you respond, “Yes. This is it. I don’t care what the inside looks like. I want it.” That’s curb appeal!

How can you tell where your home registers on the curb appeal scale? Have friends & family provide some objective feedback. Find out what’s appealing about the home and grounds, and what needs improvement. More importantly, consult your real estate agent. Real estate professionals view many homes and can be a great resource. Ask the agent to walk around the property with you and view it from across the street. Develop a “to do” list to bring your home up to show condition. You’ll be surprised that even small enhancements can make a big difference. The bottom line is, if buyers don’t find the outside appealing, they won’t be interested in seeing the inside.

2. Paint & polish.
A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from pealing, cracked or chipped paint, a paint job is a great investment. According to a survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, white homes sell faster than others. Whether or not you paint, you’ll want to polish the door-knocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry. If your house could use a paint job and you don’t have the time or money, sometimes hosing it off and repainting the trim will update the entire facade. A few gallons of paint can add real impact to a fence as well.

3. Get the yard in shape.
Mowed lawns and trimmed shrubbery are a great start. Planting a few flowers or plants can do a lot for a front yard as well. Make sure to fertilize and water the lawn and plants thoroughly 2-3 weeks before putting the house on the market. Clean up and throw away any junk or items lying around the yard.

4. Unclutter.
Now is the time to have a garage sale, not when you’re about to move. Throw out everything you can. Organize the garage and any other out buildings. Put away lawn and garden equipment and tools. Tidy up the deck, patio and back yard. Eliminate any “evidence” of “Fido”, and restrict him to the back yard when showing the home.

5. Clean the exterior.
You want buyers to believe your home has been well maintained. Make a bright impression by cleaning the windows inside and out. Clean the walks and driveway and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Clean oil spots on cement surfaces, especially the garage floor.

Improve on the cheap.
You don’t have to spend much to prepare your home for the market. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they are not likely to pay more for it. Stick to making minor “polishes” and “touch-ups” to your house. Naert Realty agents are familiar with buyer’s expectations in your neighborhood and can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

Try to look at your house “through the buyer’s eyes” as though you’ve never seen it before. A sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home’s curb appeal. So exert a little elbow grease now and you’ll captivate buyers at the curb. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Even after you have your home in “showing shape”, you still need to gain a competitive advantage over other homes on the market. That’s why Naert Realty developed Naert Realty Radio. Naert Realty Radio is a radio transmitter that broadcasts a pre-recorded message about your property. Prospects drive up, tune their car radio to the station listed on the Naert Realty Radio yard sign and hear all about your home’s special features and benefits right from the comfort of their own car. Then, they call your Naert Realty agent for an appointment.

Naert Realty offers listing and marketing services to sellers, as well as guidance
in helping you find your next home. Call Naert Realty at 314-773-5700 or e-mail at info@naertrealty.com. Learn more about selling your home at our seller’s page.

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