What has Shopping Got to do with Selling Your Home?

About a week ago I posted a question on Facebook: What is the last thing you purchased besides food? Believe it or not, I had 44 answers. The items listed were from lipsticks, linen shirt, books, carpet, hairspray, Lego, plane tickets, sheet music to Bronx Zoo Tickets.

Think of it: what you buy reflects your needs, wants, desires and also your personality. Your home décor, color, furniture, sheets, pillows, towels and carpets are all a reflection of you as well.

However when selling your home we have to have a reverse thinking. What does an ideal home buyer want? What are they looking for? Will my decorating style be the same as theirs?

We have to think neutral, sort of going anonymous …

Whenever I walk into a home that is for sale, the first thing I notice of course is the entryway. What is my first impression? Home sellers are so used to their entryway that sometimes they no longer think about this objectively. It is always advisable to have an honest friend or listing agent to evaluate your home’s first impression. It is like from the outside looking in.

Your door needs to be polished, clean and all door knobs and fixtures must be in great working condition. A coat of paint and a change in color may also change the impression. Take into consideration the doormat, the decoration in the front of the house and all shrubs and your lawn are properly maintained. Get rid of cute paintings or little knick knacks.

Just like when you shop … you get things that will make you feel good, look a certain way and fill your need. You want value for your dollar.

Homebuyers come into your home with the same perspective. They are looking to fill their needs, desires and dreams. They want a place that makes them look good and feel good.

Will your asking price justify the value of what you are offering for your home compared to other homes in your area? Take a look at some of the homes for sale with your realtor just to have an idea of how much your house is worth. It is also a way for you to get inspiration for decoration and get your house ready for sale.

Do you think potential buyers enjoy looking at your family photos on the wall, on the mantel, tables and in each room? Think about model homes … they have personality but they don’t have family pictures everywhere. This is a very important tip for home sellers.

Your home should have a personality like a beachside bathroom or a baseball fan’s bedroom or a music lover’s den. These are personality rooms that potential buyers can imagine themselves living in. They can’t imagine when there are lots of family pictures or mementos from around the world or your grandmother’s five hope chests placed everywhere in your home.