Many owners work incredibly hard to prepare their homes for sale, but sometimes the end result is a presentation that feels a little lackluster or is missing an essential spark.
It’s not always easy to put your finger on the problem.
The owner has followed all the basic guidelines for decluttering and depersonalizing, yet something is missing.
Your home is too important as a financial asset to just shrug off the problem and hope for the best, especially in the current market.
Listings were up 17.2% year-over-year in June, which means that as a seller you face plenty of competition for buyers’ attention.
Remedies for a flat presentation can be many and varied.
It’s always a good idea to ask your agent for an honest opinion before you list. Seek out any suggestion that will give your home an additional lift in the eyes of the buyer.
Here are seven features of a home that tend to undermine a five-star presentation and can even make your home feel less valuable:
Paint choice – Gloss paint on the walls shows a lot of blemishes and it’s difficult to clean. It undermines the visual impact of the property. A better option is to select matt paint and use semi-gloss for the trims.
Color clash – Homes that feature too many wall colors in different rooms feel choppy and underwhelming. Most agents will recommend painting the property in a neutral color for consistency.
Lighting – Many homes have only overhead lighting. Interior designers recommend what they call “layered lighting”. This is a combination of ceiling lights with wall and table lamps. These offer a far deeper visual texture to each room.
Size counts – Oversized furniture will always undermine a room, making it feel squashed and insufficient. A large couch in a small living area is a good example. Conversely, a small piece of art on a large wall will underwhelm. Ensure the proportions of your furniture and art are suitable for each room.
Drapes dilemma – If your drapes are too long or too small, then buyers will notice. It’s not a make or break issue, but it leaves a bad impression.
Storage overflow – You may have decluttered, but your storage areas need to look and feel spacious, too. Ensure you have minimal clutter in kitchen and bathroom drawers and cupboards. And in the bedrooms, closets and dressers should be no more than three-quarters full.