What did you look for?

Jamison'smama wrote: We are desperately trying to sell our home. We need to move to Texas but the market is a buyers market. People who look at our home have MANY to chose from in the price range. We cannot lower our price too much as we refinanced less than a year ago not knowing we would be selling.

So my question is..... what can I do to get people to remember this house? It is a nice 4 bedroom, only 5 years old so nothing needs replaced--or is looking old. I want to make our house stand out. What major things stood out for you when buying a house? The inside, the landscaping, the flooring, the garage/basement, bathrooms. What was your biggest complaint about homes and/or had the "wow" factor. I need any and all suggestions!

C&K*s Mommie replied: I am sure there will be a ton of good info, to come along. But one thing that I remember hearing about selling a house is to not make it too empty, but rather make it 'homey'. Warm, so to speak. Take all pics down of your family for open houses, or showcases by the realtor, so that a potential family can "picture" themselves there. Rearrange furniture so that the space seems light, but keep the basics so that it does not feel empty. Freshen up paint if need be. Decrease clutter if you have it, too.

I watch home buying shows all the time, and the curb appeal seems to be a major deciding factor for homebuyers. If they are not willing to jump from the car, when eyeing your home they will be less likely to come into it.

Best wishes!

moped replied: When we sold our last house the agent told us to box up all pictures of us and family, so it doesn't seem like your house when they walk in, also each time someone comes to look at it to heat a small pot of vanilla on the stove........strange but it makes it small great and inviting, we did it three times and it sold.
Also box up any clutter and toys etc.
HTH

Kaitlin'smom replied: when we bought our home well now 7 years ago the things that stood out for me was it felt open, it was not cluttered, they did have a few pictures of them up, that did nto bother me I like looking at pictures. It also smelled as if some one had just baked something I never did figure out what it was but it sure smelled yummy. Oh and they always took the dog with them it never smelled of dog. I also liked the landscaping it was nice and at the time stood out from the neighbors.

Jamison'smama replied: Well, what we have done so far..... we changed all the light fictures from the standard brass to a nice black iron. We changed the kitchen faucet to a nicer type. We rearranged our furniture, got rid of the kid's playroom and made it back into a formal dining room. The yard and flower beds look great, we painted our shutters. We removed all but 2 pictures of our family. Our paint is neutral and touched up constanty. Our carpet is clean and I do bake stuff before the showings. Sunday it was cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

I want to make a change that might be significant. Example---add some real storage to the garage to really appeal to the men, put organizing systems in the basement, change the flooring in the master bath--something that will give it the over the top factor--beyond the traditional things we do to sell.

Did you care if the garage/basement was neat? What would you have thought if there were lots of boxes?

Boo&BugsMom replied:
Personally, I like seeing the potential, which some people don't see. Many people only see what they see with their eyes, rather than imagining what they can do, how they can decorate, etc. Some people are put off by non-neutral colors. I say...then paint it then when you move in people! However, many people like things to be move-in ready, painting and all. Another thing that draws me near is a home having the least amount of clutter. It shows people you have enough space for everything to be put away, instead of having clutter piles everywhere. Ever watch "Designed To Sell" on HGTV? It's a great show.

Jamison'smama replied: Whoops, the storage in the garage "for men" statement I made was quite sexist---not sure where that came from except it was DH that suggested it. I would like my garage neat also. Hmmm

MyLuvBugs replied: We dont' own a home yet, but have been looking for a couple years now. The biggest thing to me is cleanliness and smell. If I have even the slightest hint of musty mold smell....I'm out of there. Try baking cookies the morning of your open houses. Fresh baked cookies always seems to make the home more homey. KWIM?

Also, the outside should be well kept, and the inside should be clutter free. If you watch any of those "sell your house" type shows, you'll also noticed that nutral colors are the way to go. If you can afford it, try to make sure that you have a clean coat of nutral color paint on the main walls (AKA Living room, Dining room, Kitchen)

I hope that helps.

Boys r us replied: Well, it sounds like you've gotten great afvice so far Brenda! I would also suggest making sure the house is well lit for open houses..all of the shades open and lights on..etc. Take everything off of the fridge. Make it look elegant in anyway that you can!

MyLuvBugs replied:
Personally, I do. But only b/c I want to see if both our cars will fit into a Garage, and yet still have room for tools and stuff. Same with Basements (except the car thing ). If you can, rent a storage locker and put all your boxes and extras in there until you move. The less clutter sitting about the more a buyer will be able to see the full square footage they're getting for their dollar. KWIM?

coasterqueen replied: I don't have any advice, but I've been watching HGTV lately at night and they have a program on selling a home and how to make it stand out. Maybe catch a few episodes to help you out. ??? GL.

luvmykids replied: I agree with everyone above, as much as you can even if it's only temporary, I say organize every last shelf, closet, etc. It helps show how much room there really is and helps people envision themselves being organized. Also, if you have any windows with just blinds, a window treatment adds a lot of pop and can be done inexpensively. In the bathrooms I like to see cleared counters and towels hung, candles lit, anything to make it inviting.

redchief replied: I don't have any new advice except that one thing is sure... The house has to grab your attention from the street or there will be little interest in looking at the inside. I've seen houses sit on market here forever, get a paint job and landscaping and go a month later for more than the original asking.