HGTV viewers, especially fans of the show ‘Unsellable Houses’, know that when it comes to selling your home people don’t want quirky, over personalized homes—they want homes they can imagine themselves living in. They don’t want deferred maintenance, dated décor and they certainty don’t want to see your junk everywhere. Don’t get me started on pets. I’ve been there, done that.
If you’re unfamiliar with the show, two twins, Leslie and Lyndsay, are contacted by home sellers in the Pacific Northwest who, for various reasons, cannot sell their home. L & L evaluate the homes, give their advice as well as their own money to help fix the home. What’s the catch? Well they get to share in the profit after their initial investment is recouped and you don’t have a say in what they do.
While people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania most likely won’t get to be on their show, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a few ideas out of their playbook. (The twins sell real estate in Snohomish County, specifically Everett, WA–25 Miles North of Seattle.) Here’s my top list of takeaways from HGTV that I will share with you in order to get your home HGTV ready and SOLD!
- Curb Appeal—The outside is the first thing people see and sometimes the only thing. Make sure your trees are trimmed, the walkway is clear, repair any cracks. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, clean the gutters and wash the windows. Unless it is Halloween, your house shouldn’t look like it is haunted. Extra points if your entryway and driveway are well lit, your house is freshly painted and you planted seasonal flowers, even if it is just in a decorative container.
- Entryways—When you walk into your home are you walking into a modern home or did you step back into time? People are not going to see past your faux brick wall or 90’s country borders. They also don’t want to trip over shoes, coats and other personal items. Make your entry inviting by removing clutter and having a small table with fresh flowers. Get rid of the wall of family photos and other items that would make the home buyer feel like they’re in your home, not theirs.
- Clean, clean and clean some more—Want to know what turns off home buyers? Dirt, grunge and pet hair. Also, dirty laundry on the floor. I once toured a home with a young couple and the house had a dog barking in a cage, dog food on the floor and dirty underwear on the stairs. Clean your home from top to bottom and make sure your kitchens and baths shine! Also fill your home with pleasant scents like fresh baked cookies or fresh flowers. Take fido to doggie daycare.
- Paint and Staging—A fresh coat of neutral paint and minimal furniture can do a lot. It can make the rooms look more spacious, light and airy as well as clean. They can also make the potential buyer imagine themselves living there. Minimal décor with a pop of color from a throw pillow can set the stage. Don’t forget the lighting to turn a room from dungeon to bright.
- Upgrade and Update—Kitchens and baths sell homes. If you cannot remodel, you can update them with some paint, new hardware (door handles and knobs), fixtures and lighting. Fix any leaks and replace broken appliances. Don’t forget to declutter. No one needs to see your collection of appliances or your beauty routine. Without all the “stuff” your counters will look bigger.
There are so many ways to get your home ready for sale and these are just a small portion. If you’re not skilled in these areas it is okay to hire a professional such as a landscaper, cleaning company, painter or home stager. Also consider using a home inspector to discover any defects in your home so that you can repair them before potential buyers see them. My team and I have a network of professionals that can help you with these items.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in NJ or PA, please give me a call at 856.906.7313.
