Add appeal with quick fixes and suggestions

By Jennifer S. McDonald

C & G Staff Writer

     When it comes to putting a home on the market, there are a few easy, cost-effective things sellers can do to give it a little more appeal.

     While some may scoff at the thought of spending big money and time before putting their dwelling up for sale, experts agree a fresh, neutral home is the quickest way to place your former residence in the hands of a legitimate buyer.

     Some of the simplest and fastest updates are things that seem obvious at first, but may get lost in the bigger picture. While sellers may associate remodeling with hard work, many renovations don’t require as much as a seller might think.

     Al Beahn, a Realtor for Century 21 Town and Country in Shelby Township, said when a potential buyer walks through the door, sellers should want for them to be “attracted and attached,” which will entice them to buy.

     “It’s a very emotional purchase,” Beahn said. “It isn’t so much about the size of the kitchen or the living room, it’s more about the emotion of, ‘boy, I’d like to have my family living here. It’s warm. It smells good. It’s inviting. We can simply move our furniture in and take our time to personalize it.’”  

     Beahn suggests having the home appeal to a wide range of buyers. In essence, make it as neutral as possible.

     “When we market a home for selling, we want to neutralize,” Beahn said. “When 10 people come through the home, we want to make sure that once they get there, it’s neutral enough so they can imagine themselves living there and not having to do a lot.”

     Beahn recommends painting the walls and replacing the carpets with neutral tones, such as beige or taupe. If walls and carpets are already neutral, it may be as simple as hiring a cleaning service to tackle any stains and address animal or cooking odors.

     In terms of décor, buyers want to visualize themselves living in a space, so having any personal items displayed is discouraged. Every baby picture or college graduation certificate can turn away a potential customer.

     Most importantly, sellers should examine all aspects of their home, taking every space and making it free of clutter, Beahn said. Bathrooms and kitchens should be free of stains, and working faucets are a necessity.

     “We have a saying — ‘when in doubt, throw it out,’” Beahn added. “When you give the space a more open spacious feeling, it gives people a chance to see their own personal belongings there.”

     Carol Shelton, a Realtor with Real Estate One in Rochester, agreed.

     The most important thing of all, Shelton said, is that the home is clean and free of clutter. While most people live their day-to-day lives with things crammed into a closet – when selling a home, make sure it’s virtually empty. If the living room couch makes it impossible to effectively see the room, move it. It may be a deal breaker.

     “It’s important to take what you can out of the home and still make it look nice,” Shelton said. “(Sellers) should move all the furniture out of the way so people can move through easily.”

     Another area, often overlooked, are entryways. Because it’s outside, many expect cobwebs, dirt and leaves to be present. But if your home is for sale, many Realtors suggest making it as presentable as possible. It’s a buyer’s first look at their potential home.

“When someone stands on your front porch, they’re waiting for the Realtor to open the lock box and unlock the door. They will look up and look around,” Shelton said. “Make sure the steps aren’t chipped. If the steps are too large, put in a three step, instead of a two. There shouldn’t be any ice. Make sure the sidewalk is level, so when they enter the home it feels good.”

     If your furniture is old or dated, slipcovers make for a newer look, she suggested. Utilizing candles or air fresheners can help any noticeable odors. Even just opening a few windows can make a world of difference, she said.

     “There are just so many things people can buy to remove odors and make them smell fresh,” Shelton said. “Homes will sell quicker if (a buyer) feels better about the house.”

     It basically comes down to the homeowner imagining themselves as a potential buyer, Realtors agree. What may be cause for alarm in their eyes surely will turn off a house hunter.