WAXHAW, NC – The local home selling markets in Charlotte and Waxhaw have heated up this Summer following a chilly Spring selling season.
Two weeks ago, I shared the first half of my list of eight tips for adding instant appeal to your home.
Without further ado, here are the next four items on the list!
5. Show me the money. Realtors® and builders alike will tell you that you’ll get the most bang for your buck by investing money in your kitchen and bathrooms. So whatever you have to spend on a pre-sale facelift, that’s where your money should go. If your bathroom vanities look shabby and dated, a couple of coats of semi-gloss enamel in one of today’s “in” colors is a great place to start. Add some drawer pulls to kitchen and bathroom cupboards. Replace faucets with brushed nickel or bronze. New stainless steel appliances in the kitchen will give it a real “wow” factor.
6. Do a painting. As part of your facelift plan, painting the interior walls is a great investment. Ceilings should be white because it makes the rooms seem larger. But keep white paint off your walls and go with a neutral color like Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray instead. Stark white walls are cold. Even if your home is very contemporary, you still want to reflect a degree of warmth and coziness.
7. Check for hidden problems. The things you can’t see are often what trip you up. Keep an eye out for problems that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, if the storage space under your stairs smells musty, air it out, and add some room freshener. Make sure there are no signs of mold or mildew anywhere. Look around the baseboards and the outside of your home as well for signs of termites or other pests. Make sure there are no dripping faucets or leaks under the sink. And check to see that your smoke detectors are working. If you want to go the extra mile, get a pre-listing home inspection, and repair any major finding prior to listing.
8. Add the unexpected touch. When you’re ready for that first open house, make sure you appeal to ALL the buyer’s senses. Put out some fresh flowers or plants. (Hint: orchids are not expensive and they last a long time.) Avoid candles, which could create a fire hazard. Instead, use essential oils with scents that create a mood. Lavender is relaxing, rosemary is stimulating, and jasmine elevates the mood. Citrus scents are always fresh and clean. Of course, if you want to pull out all the stops, bake some chocolate chip cookies and leave them on the counter. But please, no onions or fish smells leftover from last night’s dinner!
As I stated in Pt 1, homes do not sell themselves. It takes planning and effort on your part to turn your property into a showplace.
The payoff is the look on that prospective buyer’s face that says, “I want this one!”
If you’re thinking of selling your home and want more advice, visit thecltlife.com and contact Jimmy Grappone today to schedule a personal consultation.
