MAKING THE BEST SECOND IMPRESSIONAs with the exterior, I have found that there are plenty of interior tricks to punch the right emotional buttons in prospective buyers.
In all rooms certain minimum standards should be met:- Make sure all plumbing and electrical systems are in good working order
- Repair cracks in the wall
- Paint - as is the case outside, a fresh coat of paint throughout the house will more than pay for itself
- Remove wallpaper - if one of a kind
- Replace missing molding
- Replace cracked or broken window glass
- Make sure window and door hardware match
- Install new floor coverings
- Install new light fixtures
- Make sure switch and outlet plates match from room to room
- Upgrade insulation in drafty or hot rooms
As is the case outside, a coat of paint can literally make the difference between a sale and no sale. Be sure to stick to neutral colors - white or off white. It tends to make everything look new, clean and bright.
Be sure to paint everything: inside closets, cabinets, pantries, etc. If a prospective buyer opens a door and sees dirty walls or shelves, you have just wasted the advantage you gained by painting in the first place.
Like paint, new carpeting should also be in a neutral shade. This helps buyer visualize their own furniture in your home.
Many buyers value good wooden floors, so sand and finish yours if they can be restored. Otherwise you might consider new flooring, If your home is short on storage space, consider how you might add shelving, cabinets or other storage systems to remedy this deficiency. You may also consider replacing windows, and doors with more energy efficent models.
Taken individually, each of the above improvements may not seem like much. You will find that the cumulative effect on fixing even relatively minor problems will be dramatic. A crack in the wall, a carpet or a light switch that doesn't work can send a negative signal that results in the loss of a buyer. I have seen it happen.
Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate
(618) 355-5824
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# posted by
Bryan Vogt @ 3:16 PM
