SHOWING YOUR HOME

When selling a house in Savannah, MO, home staging and a little preparation can make a big impact on potential buyers.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS are LASTING IMPRESSIONS

How buyers view your interior often depends on how it looks outside.

Your front door should be inviting and clean.
If your front door is worn or faded, paint it or replace it.
Paint shutters, trim, and other exterior features that are showing wear should be painted.
Add plants that are vibrant and add fresh mulch.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

“How we live in our home is often different from how we sell it.” You can see your home from a different perspective. Arrange each room to highlight its best qualities when selling your house in Savannah, MO.

Keep your windows and floors clean.
Replace the wallpaper that is faded and glue any spots on the wall that are missing.
Repair worn woodwork.
Repaint walls that are damaged or stained in a neutral shade.
If necessary, steam clean or replace carpeting.
Fix loose knobs, stuck doors & windows and warped drawers. Also fix broken light switches.
Repair or replace caulking in showers and bathtubs.
Take a fresh look at your home and arrange every room to highlight its best features.You can let the light in through the curtains and draperies.
To make your rooms more spacious, get rid of all clutter in your basement, attic and closets. You can also consider selling or storage to dispose off extraneous items.
Arrange your rooms in a neat manner and get rid of any excess furniture. In the bathroom, keep clean, fresh towels. To make your bathroom smell nice, you can use candles or air fresheners.

LET YOUR HOME GET THE BEST LIGHTING

Even during daytime, strategically lighting your home can create a warm and inviting atmosphere and highlight the best aspects of each room. Selling your Savannah house is easier if you can show your home at its best.

Avoid overhead lighting, which can make rooms appear drab and lifeless.
You can be creative with how you arrange lamps in small rooms to make them appear larger and smaller, while making large rooms feel more intimate.
Lighting can be used to highlight “living areas” in your home. For example, a pair or chairs next to a fireplace or a table in the breakfast area.

Home Staging Inside Your Savannah, MO House

All clutter should be removed. It is best to keep decorative objects off the furniture, except a few in groups of 1 or 3 items.
Get rid of all non-essential items from your kitchen countertops. It should be thrown away if it hasn’t been in use for at least three months.
Clear fridge fronts of messages, photos, etc. A sparse kitchen allows buyers to mentally move their own items into the kitchen.
Remove all unnecessary items from the bathroom’s countertops, tubs and shower stalls. Only keep the most essential cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, and other items on your counter. Limit the number of colors in your coordinated towels to just one or two.
If necessary, arrange or take down some furniture. Many times, owners have too much furniture in their rooms. While this is great for personal enjoyment, it can make a room appear smaller when selling a house in Savannah.
Rearrange or take down certain photos or other objects from walls. If necessary, patch and paint.
Take a look at each room in the house. Paint every room that needs it. Clean the carpets and drapes.
During the day, turn off certain lights. Turn on all lights and lamps during “showings”.
Stereo FM can be turned on throughout the day to allow for all viewings.

OUTSIDE

Lockbox–#1 Importance : “If they don’t have them, they won’t show it.”
To reveal architectural details (bottom of windows, etc.), trim landscaping. “If they don’t see it we can’t make it sell.”
Move all trash cans, wood scraps, and other building materials around the house to the garage.
Dry rot can be found in the roof and gutters. Make sure that they are cleaned and swept.
Take a look at all the plants. Avoid blocking windows with plants. You can’t sell your house if it isn’t visible. Plants can be likened to children, they grow quickly!
Mulch all areas. Make sure to keep your lawn mowed and fertilized. Take out any dead shrubs or plants.
Clear your patios and decks from all small items such as small flower pots, charcoal, barbecues and toys. Place them in your garage.
Examine the paint condition of your house, especially the trim and front door. “Curb appeal works!”

NINE MINUTE SHOWING DILL

Sometimes you may get a call asking for a showing of the home. Here’s a checklist to help you cope with panic situations like this:

Sound: Turn off your television and tune the radio to a soft-rock, middle-of the road, or classic rock station (low volume).
Sight: Turn all lights on in your house, day or night. Open every blind and drape (day only).
Odors: Warm some frozen pastry slowly in an oven or on the stovetop, and then add a few drops of vanilla.
Kitchen: Clean the counters of your kitchen and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
Bathrooms: Clean counters, flush and close the toilets.
Living/Family Spaces: Displace magazines, newspapers, and other clutter.
Bedrooms: Straighten beds. Do not store clutter under the bed.
Take away clutter and toys from the exterior. Keep your feet clean.
Children and pets: They can be distracting, so take them outside.
Say Goodbye: This is the most important thing that you can do at a showing when selling a house in Savannah, MO. Even if the agent says it’s okay to stay, you have to leave. Buyers need to feel emotionally connected to your home in order to purchase it. If you, the current owners are “hanging around”, they will not be able to become emotionally attached to “their” new home.

When selling a house in Savannah, MO, home staging, cleaning and decluttering, and small details can make all the difference. Our team of Savannah real estate agents can help you make the most of your showings. Contact us today!