Heather the Realtor - Orlando Area's Top Real Estate News

Packaging - The Interior
When considering a home to purchase, the buyer often visualizes what it would be like living there. If the home is dominated by strong personal statements, buyers are less likely to feel comfortable, and therefore less able to visualize the property as their own.

Personal statements are reflected in many areas:
- unusual wall colors or heavily patterned wallpaper
- heavy odors from pets, tobacco or cooking
- sounds of loud music or television
- barking dog or noisy children
- strong polotical or religious statements
- unusal art or furnishings

Interior
- Remove any and all excess clutter from; rooms, countertops, closets, etc. This makes these areas look larger and more appealing.
- Again setup the home as if it were a model, prepare tables with flowers and place settings; set out a game or a book on coffee table.
- The kitchen is perhaps the most important room in the house and it can have a major impact on the value of your home. If appliances are outdated it maybe a good idea to replace them or refinish them. Outdated kitchen cabinets can often be improved by simply installing new knobs or hardware. If they are especially old you can replace the doors or doorfronts.
- Thoroughly clean baths; clean shower and tubs including shower doors, purchase and set out show towels.
- Turn on lights for showings to make your home look bright and cheerful.
- If carpets are dirty have them professionally cleaned, if they require stretching have this service performed.
- Keep the basement and/or garage neat and organized, clean up any oil stains in the garage, and hold a garage sale to dispose of unused items that create clutter.
- Clean and organize your basement
- Do a quick dusting before showings, give carpets a once over with the vacuum, straighten rugs, empty wastebaskets
- Clean plastic light switches if they’re dirty

Appeal To The Senses
There are many ways to create a more exciting and saleable interior, at surprisingly little cost. Below you will find some sensory selling tools that can have enormous impact as well as suggestions on how to improve each room.

Light
It is proven that people react more favorably to property shown under bright light than dark.

Color
A fundamental rule when selling your house is to keep colors neutral and light. White, beige and gray are most popular, however, light pastels have gained favor in recent years. Limit bright colors to accents like fresh flowers, towels, area rugs, and shower curtains. Avoid highly patterned wallpaper whenever possible.

Sound
The sounds of peace and quiet are some of the best sounds to have when your home is being shown to a prospective buyer. But there are other sounds considerations of which you should be aware, such as: avoid barking dogs and noisy children, running dishwashers, vacuums and lawnmowers, light classical or instrumental music can be effective in creating a pleasing atmosphere.

Smell
Smell has a tremnedous impact and it can work for or against you. The smell of newness is positive and can be achieved by thoroughly cleaning carpets and flooring, applying a fresh coat of polyurethane to natural wood or latex paint to walls. Smells to avoid include strong pet odors, tobacco, and cooking. For more tips on this subject read my blog titled ‘What Stinks? Cheap, Easy & Natural Methods For Freshening Up Your Home’.

The Impact Of Small Details
Small details make big statements about the perceived condition of your property. A house that shows poorly as a result of an overgrown lawn, peeling paint, or simply the smell of mildew may create the overall feeling that the property has not been cared for. If your home leaves a buyer with this impression it could cost you valuable time and money.
- Do your tubs need caulking?
- Do your walls have any cracks, dents or holes? Are they in
need of painting?
- Do your ceiling have any water stains, cracks or peeling?
Are they in need of painting?
- Are your appliances clean and in good condition?
- Is your floor in good condition?
- Is your tile grout clean?
- Are your carpets stained or worn? Do they need stretching?
- Do your sinks drain freely?

The End Result
By showing attention to detail and understanding the buyer’s need to visualize your home against a neutral backdrop, you can dramatically increase the saleability of your home. My team and I will be happy to assist you with recommendations to help your house sell for the highest price and we invite you to contact us to discuss the sale of your home.

If you have been thinking about selling a home in Seminole or Orange County contact me today.

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 For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman