Every home and every room in every home has both some positive and negative attributes. The important thing is to do when you’re putting your home on the market is to prepare it in a way that really highlights the benefits and positives and distract from the negatives.
In many cases – negative or positive features can be subjective. For example, some buyers may love smaller, cozier rooms while others may crave big living areas. However there are some attributes that are overtly positive and some that are obviously negative. How you create focus on the positive when preparing your home will be critical in helping you create excitement about the space.
Before you start to de-clutter and prepare, make a list of the positive aspects of your home that you would like to draw attention to. Some features can include:
- Energy-efficient windows
- Fireplace
- Swimming Pool
- Large outdoor space
- Pocket or sliding doors
- Plenty of storage space
- Number of bathrooms
- Finished Basement
Every room should have a focus so begin by trying to make the focal point the positive feature you want noticed. There are several small and simple ways to get a buyer to notice these selling points:
- Large, energy efficient windows are more easily noticed when they are dressed up with floor to ceiling curtains or attractive window coverings that are left open to expose the windows and let in more light.
- If you have a fireplace, arrange furniture in a way that makes it the focal point of the room. Make sure the mantel and surrounding area are freshly painted and add a sculpture or vase to draw attention to it.
- The kitchen is the heart of most homes. A fresh coat of paint will help update its look but try adding a bit of elegance with a new light fixture and updated faucets.
- Strategically place vases and decorative items to draw attention to areas of the room you want to accentuate such as bay windows, fireplaces and any noteworthy structural or architectural details.
- Wooden floors should be refinished and exposed as buyers place a high value on this type of flooring.
- Updating appliances and new countertops will also help add the perception of value without spending much.
- A large feature wall is begging to be looked at so give buyers something to draw their attention to it like a large mirror or painting.
- Create attention by paring down distraction. Beautiful countertops get more attention with less clutter on them to distract the buyers view.
- Your garden and landscaping are a critical focal point as sellers approach your home so point out the beauty of your homes' landscaping by clearing brush, trimming and adding new plants.
- Leave a highlight sheet for potential buyers to read as they enter your home. This is a great way to point out the selling points of your home and allow them to visualize the benefits of each of these features as they tour your home.
By taking the time to accentuate the positive aspects of your home you can capture a sellers attention and imagination. The more you can create appeal and desire, the quicker your home will sell.