Prepare your home for being seen on the Internet first

These days we all know that most people begin looking for a new home by going to the Internet first. So instead of potential buyers seeing your home for the first time during an open house or a drive-by, they will see the photos your Realtor® uses with the online listing. More than ever, curb appeal starts on the internet; if the pictures don’t make your home seem attractive, then it’s less likely people will want to actually come and see for themselves.

A couple of years ago people did not have to worry too much about fixing up their home for sale; houses sold as quickly as they came on the market. But those days are gone, and it’s more important than ever to take the time and effort to make sure your house shine. "Good enough" isn’t anymore. When sellers can’t be bothered to present their home in the best light, the buyers are not going to be interested, and those sellers won’t get the kind of offer they are hoping for. Today’s market is just too competitive.

So what can you do? A number of things. First, make energy efficiency a selling point. Change all your old light bulbs to energy-efficient bulbs with a daylight finish. Of course you’ll open all the curtains and blinds, and turn on all the lights when showing the home, but having daylight energy efficient bulbs can also help; in retail stores, using such bulbs can increase sales 40%!

Next, if you have a good sound system, put on easy-listening music as a positive but unobtrusive background. No elevator music or rock for this.

Of course you know to declutter and remove personal items. Buyers don’t want to feel they are intruding, and your personal items will make it harder for them to see the home as theirs. Also be aware of odors. Don’t cook something for dinner the night before with an odor that will linger in the house.

And then, invite your neighbors over for a preview. Neighbors can be great salespeople, and you never know which neighbor might know someone looking for a home in your area.

When you’re ready to sell, count on the "Special" Ed Haraway Team to help you show your home at its best. We really are the "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!"

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