Are you thinking about selling your Lincoln home? Most likely, you are going to have some competition, and to beat your competition you will need to set your home apart. It may require a little work, but in the long run, a little work can get your house sold fast! Sell Lincoln Mobile Homes has put together some great tips on how to set your home apart when you are ready to sell in Lincoln.
Address The Senses
Subconsciously, potential buyers will use all five senses in their decision on whether or not to make an offer on your home. The most important will of course be visual, but don’t ignore the power of the other four senses on the subconscious mind of your buyers. You will also want to think about what these potential buyers will hear, smell, taste and touch.
- What they hear… play quiet background music during open houses. If you live in a younger, trendy neighborhood, play something more current. If it is an older neighborhood, classical, big band and the standards can be a great choice. But remember to keep it in the background and not blast it.
- What they smell… you don’t want to overpower your home in fragrances. Some people can be sensitive to smells, and you don’t want to give your buyers headaches or allergies. Also, if you have pets or if you cook with strong flavors (think cooking with lots of fish sauce or dried cumin), you will need to freshen up the air. With that in mind, consider fragrances that are universally appealing. Everyone loves freshly baked bread or chocolate chip cookies. Or if you choose to use a candle or incense, keep it light and with a mild fragrance. Vanilla or Citrus are popular choices that won’t be too harsh on your guest’s noses.
- What they taste… as mentioned above, the smell of cookies or fresh bread is universally enticing. Maybe you coincidently have some cookies baking along with some other light but delicious hors d’oeuvres. People may not remember the color of your crown molding, but they will remember the best brownie they ever ate. You don’t have to spend lots of extra time baking, but at least a pot of fresh coffee will help with both the smells and the tastes!
- What they touch… your potential buyers may not physically touch many items in the home, but the things they do touch should feel great and clean. Think of the door knobs, handles on cabinets, glasses, and faucet handles. These things should have a “good feel to them” and look shiny and new. In addition, use a fluffy, luxurious throw blanket on the sofa. Add oversized feathered pillows to the bed (and make your bed), making it look beyond comfortable. Think of the touches you would find in a high-end hotel, and incorporate these things into your home. You don’t have to go out and buy many new things, but at least everything should feel “cared for.”
Make it A Party Instead of Another Boring Open House
So many open houses are all the same. And the odds are, your potential buyers have been to a few of these already and are tired of the same thing. Think of creative ways to set your home apart. Consider making it more of a BBQ by hosting it in the afternoon or cocktail party by hosting it in the evening. This will not only be memorable to your guests, but it will allow them to get a sense of what living in the home (especially a weekend vibe) will really feel like.
Entertaining friends (think of your potential buyers as your friends), serving great food and creating so much fun within the home, that people don’t want to leave is a great way to sell your Lincoln home fast!
Focus on Your Curb Appeal
The exterior of your house will determine whether or not people even walk into your home. You’ve likely heard the phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to home buying, this is often the case. This is your first impression and the first opportunity to make buyers fall in love with your home.
- Mow the lawn, weed the garden and keep it regularly maintained.
- Paint if necessary. By doing the work yourself, you will save a ton of money and completely revitalize a worn out facade.
- Repair the skirting and don’t stuff garbage underneath (or clean out what’s already underneath)
- Repair cracked sidewalks and porches and tend to any boards that may have popped up.
- Make sure the furniture is clean, rust free and flows with the exterior of the home.
- Fix your fixtures. Mailbox, door knobs, address numbers should all look clean and bold.
- But if there are items you can’t get to, be upfront with your buyers and be willing to offer a discount.
Don’t Take It Personal…
Yes, you want to make your home feel like a home…inviting and cozy. And you do want to have the attitude that you’re inviting over friends. But remember what your goal is: to sell your home. If people come face to face with your Grand Canyon vacation pictures on the fridge, or see a stack of your paperwork on the desk, they are going to feel as if they are intruding. Be careful about leaving dirty or just cleaned laundry lying around too – your potential buyers would not want to see that. Pick up the clutter and personal items and hide it all away while buyers are in your home.