Prepare home to entice buyers

Before placing a home on the market, owners can take steps to make sure their property stands out to potential buyers.

Homeowners who want to entice buyers can take the following steps.

• Depersonalize the home.

Homeowners fill their spaces with family photos, heirlooms, personal interests and other conversation pieces.

Unfortunately, prospective buyers may not be able to see past those personal belongings and may even be distracted by them. For example, buyers who have strong beliefs about animal welfare might choose not to buy a home in which the owners proudly display their hunting trophies. Remove personalized decor where possible, replacing it with generic items.

• Put things in storage.

Once all those personal items have been removed and the house has been decluttered, rent a storage unit to house everything until it is ready to move.

Clean out the closets and cabinets so that when buyers “snoop” during appointments or open houses, they will see orderly storage areas. If closets are overflowing with clothing and other items, buyers may assume the house doesn’t have enough storage space and move on.

• Improve the exterior.

Curb appeal is crucial to making a strong first impression.

A messy or lackluster landscape can turn buyers away even before they reach the front door. In fall and winter, keep the lawn raked and clear of debris. During the spring and summer, mow the lawn, and make sure the shrubbery has been trimmed.

Seasonal potted flowers and plants can help make the house look polished, and they can really add a splash of color to a porch or entryway.

Repair cracks or damaged walkways, and consider applying a fresh coat of paint on the trim around windows and doors.

• Make it light and bright.

Before each open house or private showing, open up all of the drapes and blinds, and make sure the house is well lit. Add table lamps or other fixtures to especially dim rooms.

• Create a spalike setting.

Bathrooms can make or break a home sale, so make sure the powder room and other baths look inviting.

Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon by the sink, add some scented candles, and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating colors.

• Spruce up the heart of the home.

Make sure prospective buyers can appreciate the layout and amenities of the kitchen.

Remove extraneous items from kitchen counters and replace them with vases of flowers. In addition, set up dining spaces as if one were sitting down to a meal, and make sure the appliances are sparkling clean.

• Use common ‘scents.’

An unpleasant aroma is an immediate turnoff for prospective buyers.

When selling a home, skip the fish, bacon and other aromatic meals when showings are planned, as such foods can leave lingering aromas.

Baked goods, vanilla and cinnamon might make for more appealing scents.

Making a home sell fast involves preparation and the knowledge that buyers are often greatly influenced by their first impressions.