|
Lighting
When you know someone
is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and
outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey"
impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the
lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim
areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.
Fragrances
Do not use scented sprays
to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells
of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic. If
you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have a potpourri pot or
something natural. Or turn on a stove burner for a moment and put a drop
of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking.
Pet Control
If you have pets, make
sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple
listing service. The last thing you want is to have your pet running out
the front door and getting lost. If you know someone is coming, it would
be best to try to take the pets with you while the homebuyers tour your
home. If you cannot do that, It is best to keep dogs in a penned area in
the back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room when you expect
visitors, and put a sign on the door. Most of the time, an indoor cat will
hide when buyers come to view your property, but they may panic and try
to escape.
The Kitchen Trash
Especially if your kitchen
trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone
comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen
sink. Remember that you want to send a positive image about every aspect
of your home. Kitchen trash does not send a positive message. You may go
through more plastic bags than usual, but it will be worth it.
|
