Be aware of blatant and subtle buyer turnoffs
It may be slightly inconvenient to clean the windows, dust the blinds, and touch up paint small imperfections inside and out. But, these small and inexpensive proactive fixes made to a home will no doubt make a big impact when potential buyers stop by during an open house.
It is a well-known fact that homebuyers can be very picky. Even if your house is the nicest in the area, complete with a highly desirable location, dazzling curb appeal, a state-of-the-art kitchen, large bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms, you could be find yourself short of offers following agent-led visits.
Why? Because you may be overlooking minor, yet important, considerations. The following is a short list of suggested tasks and/or repairs to contemplate.
1. Not enough sun protection
Though the vast majority of buyers will not want to walk through a cave-like house, the opposite is also true. Tasteful blinds or curtains shielding the floor from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays are most appropriate. This is especially true if the floor in the sun’s penetration zone is covered in carpet. No buyer will want to be faced with the cost of pulling up and replacing faded and/or discolored carpet.
2. Old school, single-pane windows
Though there will be a substantial cost associated with replacing old and outdated windows, buyers will undoubtedly be hard pressed to seriously consider a house with single-pane windows. This will be especially true when buyers walk through the listing in colder months and feel the chill of the outside coming easily into the inside – or see condensation of the window itself. The only exception might be those buyers looking for a “fixer upper,” who will want to offer a rock-bottom sales price fully expecting the windows will need to be replaced.
3. Unsightly dog or cat bowls
Even if your house smells fresh and clean and there are no obvious pet odors in the air, a well-worn dog or cat dish sitting in the kitchen or garage may be a turnoff for a potential buyer. This has a very easy fix. Temporarily transport the bowl with the pet to a family’s, friend’s or trusted neighbor’s house.
4. Outdated kitchen and/or bathroom hardware
Some kitchen and bathroom hardware and fixtures may pass for retro or antique, but be careful. Being frugal and not replacing tacky, worn or outdated cabinet door and drawer hardware or sink and bathtub fixtures may come back to bite you. Though obvious time and cost are required, the overall benefit in appearance from upgraded hardware – and overall property impression – will far outweigh the associated aggravation factor.
5. The dubious dirty duo
Perhaps the easiest of cleanups that make the biggest impact are two of the most obvious – and least costly. Clean all windows inside and out and make sure dirty laundry is not in public view. Grab a bottle of window cleaner and a big roll of paper towels for the interior side of windows, and a hose, bucket and squeegee for the exterior sides. Additionally, place all dirty laundry inside a basket or hamper in the closet. If the clothes are especially pungent, do a load of laundry before a planned open house and put the freshly folded items in their rightful places.