Tips for Preparing Your Lake Tahoe Home for Sale
Remember when you first purchased your Lake Tahoe home? There was something that made you choose that home over another. Sure, you shopped for the perfect floor plan, ample square footage and quality construction. Chances are, however, you bought your home because of something more. . . something emotional. Often times, buyers purchase a property after they relate to something emotional such as a nostalgic smell, or a back yard that reminds them of their childhood home, or the little nook that would fit grandma’s bureau perfectly. These emotional triggers were most likely your first impression of the home and also the reason for your purchase.
Now that you are ready to list your property for sale, you need to make the most of your first impression. As a seller, you have no idea what will trigger an emotional response from the next buyer that walks in the door. So where do you start? Well, first things first!
Entry way
If you are short on time and money, the entry to your property is probably the most valuable place to start. Make sure the walkway is clear and clean. If your landscaping is lacking, add a pot of flowers to brighten things up. Clean the front door or put on a fresh coat of paint if needed. If you are willing to spend a little more money, replace your hardware and footplate to really enhance the entryway.
Interior
Each house is different, but a common denominator in every house includes personal items. Therefore, organize your personal items to help with the sale of the property. Make sure that any and all clutter is removed. Clutter may include magazines, laundry, and today’s mail. However, clutter may also be your trinket collection. It may be torture for you to box up these items and put them in storage, but remember that you are selling the space, so potential buyers need to see it. Finally, make sure that everything has its place. If your guitar has made its permanent home on the living room couch, you might consider putting it back in its case or on a stand. If the coffee table has never really fit between the couch and the love seat, replace it with something smaller that will enhance the living space. Overall, the goal here is to show the space, not your stuff.
Special Touches
Draw the buyers to your favorite feature in the house. Here’s how:
- If you have a great kitchen, put out a plate of fresh baked cookies. The smell will draw them to the kitchen and the cookies will keep them there.
- Open blinds and drapes to show off your favorite view of Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Mountains.
- Leave a note on the counter that there are ice cold drinks in the cooler on the deck. The buyers will spend more time discussing the property if they are sitting on your lawn furniture enjoying a glass of lemonade.
At the end of the day, most buyers have looked at multiple properties that are somehow comparable to yours. Use the tips above to make your home stand out from the crowd. If you make a lasting positive impression that evokes an emotional response out of the buyer, you will find the offers coming sooner than later.
Would you like more ideas to enhance your listing?
Click here for your free copy of Marc's 33 Ways to Sell Your Home Fast booklet.
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