When
decorating model homes, professional decorators have two goals in
mind—to make the home memorable and salable. They follow the rule
of creating a lifestyle the buyer can't resist. In other words, do
everything you can to make the home so beautiful, charming, cozy,
inviting, comfortable and exciting that a buyer will want to buy
that lifestyle for himself.
When you are selling your property, you want potential buyers to
leave your home with the same feeling. And you can, by making just a
few decorative improvements. Here are some guidelines to make your
property distinctive and memorable.
1. Consult with your real estate professional. He or she will
be able to offer an objective view of what buyers are looking for in
your competitive market. Depending upon location, neighborhood,
demographics and price range, the special touches that turn on
buyers may range from splashy master bathrooms and gourmet kitchens
to play areas just for the kids or home offices.
2. Eliminate clutter. Notice how model homes are perfect with
no mess, clutter, or mass of personal belongings heaped about? Only
a few exquisite and well-placed accessories on tables, desks,
chests, etc. It may sound impossible, but it's not. Clear counters
and furniture of everything except decorative accessories. Put the
personal things--cosmetics, toiletries, clothes, bills, papers, and
homework—out of sight. Tuck wastebaskets under counters or inside
cabinets. Clutter and personal belongings detract from the important
features of the home.
3. Create a color theme. If you embark on any investment
decorating, like painting, wallpaper, draperies or new furniture
purchases, create a color theme that's consistent. Wall-to-wall
carpeting should be the same throughout the house. Neutral colors
are best to please all tastes.
4. Create custom spaces. Luxury master bathrooms, decorator
kitchens, built-in cabinets, computer workstations, exercise rooms,
and children's play areas are the kinds of features that generate
sales appeal. Even if you don't have these specific custom spaces,
you can fashion them or suggest the potential for creating them. New
counter tops or floors and shiny new appliances add high sales
appeal and customize a kitchen. A few well-placed built-ins and a
computer station can create a convenient office nook in a kitchen,
family room or bedroom. Accessories, mirrors, plants and fluffy new
towels can generate a feeling of luxury even in a plain-Jane
bathroom. Turn an extra bedroom into an exercise room if you've got
the equipment, or a loft space into a child's play area or hobby
center.
5. Keep it clean and pristine. Dust, vacuum, mop and polish
on a regular basis. You're not selling the furniture, but a high
shine on wood furniture and floors can make a room sing. Touch up
nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and
metallic fixtures shine. Windows should sparkle. Keep yards and
landscaping neat and attractive. Add color spots of flowers to perk
up entryways and yards.
Try to imagine the kind of lifestyle your target buyer would enjoy,
and create it with decorative touch-ups. You don't have to spend a
great deal of money to give your property the competitive edge.
If you have questions about the escrow
process, confer with your real estate professionals who can help
provide you with more detail with this or any other home buying or
selling subject..
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