What Buyers Will Notice Most During a Home Tour

You're ready to list your home among Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. Naturally, you're eager to present the best face possible for potential buyers. You've read a lot of online tips for getting your home ready, and you've talked to real estate agents about what to do. But now that you've made your decision, it's time to get serious about your presentation. You may be surprised to find some challenges to what you think would appeal to or turn off potential buyers. Here's what you should know.

What Buyers Will Like or Dislike About Your Home

1. Clutter
   You already know this. Clutter and dirt are real turn-offs for potential buyers. Be prepared to either clean your home to the max or hire to have it done. And keep it pristine; potential buyers will not appreciate that "lived in" look you're used to.
   
   
2. Clean Oven
   The kitchen can be the deal-breaker when it comes to selling your home, so pay particular attention to the details. And yes, potential buyers are attracted to stainless steel appliances (we'll get to these in a minute), but more important is how clean your oven is. It should be spotless. If it's too well used to clean up nicely, you might have to consider replacing it. Dirty stoves and ovens really turn off home shoppers.
   
   
3. Stainless Steel Appliances
   They really do appeal if they are maintained with maximum gleam and shine. It turns out their reflective quality helps make the room look bigger, and that's always a plus when showing your home.
   
   
4. Clear Countertops
   Crowded countertops are often necessary as we go about our daily lives, but bite the bullet and eliminate as much clutter, be it appliances, cereal boxes, or cooking utensils, as possible while showing your home. Gather them up in a basket or container or put them away.
   
   
5. Converted Rooms
   Converted rooms, such as a garage that became a workshop or a dining room that became an office or playroom, typically don't present well with potential buyers. Experts say shoppers can't imagine the spaces as intended when they're not being used for their original purposes. Much as it may pain you, clear out the furnishings for the repurposed space and make it look like what it was designed for. When it comes to garage spaces, many home shoppers are looking for a space to park their car, so be advised.
   
   
6. Outdoor Accessibility
   Homebuyers will be drawn to outdoor accessibility. Make sure your outdoor spaces are inviting, and the doors leading to them are clean and appealing. Polish up the glass windows and keep them shiny.
   
   
7. No Collection Zone
   You may be proud of your personal collections of firearms, tchotchkes, or Hummel figurines, but collections or personal interests are distracting and have no place when you're trying to sell your home. Pack them up and store them till you move, sell them or give them away, but make sure they're out of sight when potential buyers tour.
   
   
8. Keep It Impersonal
   A home shopper does not need to know about your personal life. Take down your gallery of family photos and anything that indicates your personal business. This is not only to help buyers focus on your home and how they can imagine themselves living there but for your own security. Besides photos, clean up and put away business papers and remove anything that reveals political or religious affiliations.

Our REALTORS® can share more tips on the dos and don'ts for selling your home. Contact us today.