Make your home stand out in the crowd

By Tina Gleisner
NH Mirror Contributor

In today’s challenging real estate market, it is critical that sellers make their home stand out from the competition. You should emphasize the special features of your home and repair or replace anything that might cause the buyer to hesitate in making a decision.

First impressions are important. Spruce up the landscaping to create curbside appeal. Paint or replace the entry door to provide a warm welcome. Pay attention to wood trim, stairs and handrails that surround the door, plus the walkway that buyers will use.

The entryway creates the ambience for your buyer’s visit. It should be bright and cheery, so use a fresh coat of paint and higher-watt light bulbs to lighten up the space. Remove clutter and make your hall closet appear spacious by removing most of the contents.

Kitchens can make or break a sale. This room must be exceptional for the neighborhood and price asked. If it needs updating, consider replacing the counter tops, door and drawer fronts, hardware and/or appliances. Lighting also is important so you might add or replace fixtures or invest in those new windows you’ve been thinking about. Assess your floors – sometimes new baseboard trim will do the trick – and freshen up the room with a coat of paint on the ceiling, walls and trim. Work with your Realtor to prioritize these improvements to gain the best advantage.

Bathrooms are second in importance. Replace fixtures that look dated or worn. Make the room sparkle with new caulking, grout if needed and a fresh coat of paint. Remove clutter and play up available storage. You may want to work with a home stager who can transform your home into those magazine photos. They can recommend colors for paint, towels and accessories that will inspire your buyer to make an offer.

Living spaces and bedrooms should be cleared of clutter, look spacious and inviting. You want the buyer to imagine themselves in each room. Create visual space by moving furniture and wall hangings. Don’t forget to emphasize special features such as walk-in closets and downplay deficiencies.

Outdoor living space is becoming more popular. Treat it like other rooms in the house. The same goes for unfinished basements and the garage. It’s also wise to get a pre-sale home inspection and make repairs before the buyer ever sees the problems. Repairs are necessary and improvements should be prioritized to fit your budget. Think of the expense as an investment.

Tina Gleisner owns My Handyman and is founder of 4 Walls 1 Roof, a collaborative marketing group of women- owned businesses providing products and services for the home. She can be reached at 433-5905 or tina@MyHandymanNH.com.