What Buyers Notice Most when Viewing a Home
Do you remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You likely remember the features and characteristics that stood out, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or… the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom!
Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rather than those things that are less appealing. So, when preparing your home for sale, pay particular attention to what a buyer is likely to notice and remember.
Say, for example, you have a small unused bedroom that has become the unofficial storage room. If something doesn’t go anywhere else, it gets put in that room! Now it’s a cluttered space.
What will buyers remember about that room after a viewing? Will they see the potential for a home office or comfy reading room? Most likely, they will just remember a small, cluttered, potentially unusable space. Declutter your home! It will make your bottom line a lot larger when you Sell.
Buyers will also notice a dripping faucet, a scuff in the wall, or the lingering odour of spicy cooking in the kitchen. They will remember all the things that stand out, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. Pay Attention to the details and it will pay off! Fix every scuff, wipe the walls, KEEP IT CLEAN! Even if your home is updated, Buyers will appreciate cleanliness, as it translates into a well kept home.
When I tour a home with my Buyer, I will point out the number of outlets in a room (not enough?), picture where (and if) they can fit a bed or other furniture, point out any renovations that we may have to do our due diligence on, and other important aspects that a new Buyer may not consider. You can’t make everything perfect, but showcase the nice features your home has to offer.
So, when you list your property, make sure that what stands out for potential buyers are the desirable features of your property.