HomeHome Sellers Sell Downtown

Get Ready to Sell Downtown!

Just like in the business world, selling your home is all about setting yourself apart from the crowd. When you're selling a downtown residential property, the stakes are even higher since most homes in the area are very special to begin with.

So make an investment in time, money and effort to give your home a solid advantage over competing properties. Downtown buyers have discriminating tastes and first impressions count. Why miss a single chance to generate a little extra "wow"?

Curb Appeal

Studies tell us that many purchasing decisions are made based on the exterior appearance of a home. As a downtown seller, you may face challenges in this area that suburban sellers never will. Don't worry-today's buyers understand the special qualities of urban living. Still, consider taking steps to beautify exterior areas:

• Clean out storage area
• Touch up paint
• Make repairs where needed

"Please Come In!"

Ensure that potential buyers feel welcome at the front door:

• Clean entrance
• Make sure the doorbell works
• Fresh paint or varnish front door
• Repair door locks and key access
• Create a welcoming aroma-from subtly scented candles to freshly-baked bread

Create a Buying Mood

Just a few simple preparatory steps can make a big difference when showing your home:

• Turn on lights
• Turn on air conditioner/heater
• Open the drapes-sell that view!
• Light the fireplace in winter

Make Space

Storage space can be at a premium in many downtown residences. So to make sure your home is of premium interest to buyers, think open spaces and serenity:

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Store surplus furniture
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary clothing
• Remove empty boxes and containers

"Can We Fix It?"

Although there are a few notable exceptions, most of today's downtown buyers are not looking for "fixer uppers." By attending to basic maintenance needs before your first showing, you'll make your home easier to love:

• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster"
• Touch up paint
• Repair seals around tubs and basins
• Replace defective light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

Squeaky Clean

At the risk of stating the obvious, a clean house always outsells a dirty one:

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer and dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds

Ask Sandra and for Help!

If you'd like the names of companies who can help get your downtown property in ready-to-sell shape, just let us know.