While in-person showings have temporarily turned to virtual ones, there are still certain steps one can take to ensure their property is in order for presenting to potential buyers. The following are five tips on how to put your property’s best foot forward as you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Declutter

As people tend to move for space, it’s important to remove as much extra stuff as you can. From personal photos to travel mementos and certain books, they can be distracting to a potential buyer. The goal is to depersonalize the space so someone can envision themselves in it and not be distracted. Seeing large items such as suitcases and golf clubs make people wonder where they would put their own. One trick is to utilize under bed storage but if you are very short on space, there are services that will come and pick up your storage to temporarily store. 

Storage

In regard to storing items, this isn’t a time you can throw it all in the closet as those will be closely examined. Within closets, remove anything off the floors to show extra space making it look larger. Have similar hangers all in the same direction, with nothing falling off. You’ve got that one second when someone opens the door. For toys, gym equipment and the laundry room, ensure everything is displayed in an organized way such as color coordination for towels and consistent toy bins. It’s always better to have dedicated rooms for these things. 

Freshen up

Adding a fresh coat of paint to an apartment can help reinvigorate the space. We always advise a neutral color and using it throughout to present a clean, continuous feel that really opens the space. Decorating in the same neutral color palette helps to not distract from the space. While staging doesn’t always make sense from a price point, it is a nice touch if the apartment is empty as it will help highlight the space and its potential. If you have decorated in a specific style, staging can help depersonalize the space to appeal to a greater audience. As a buyer, it can be hard to see past someone else’s taste and this is where staging is helpful. 

Touch-up cracks and grouting

In New York City, most bathrooms are windowless causing them to seem dimmer and drabber. Regrouting and touching up cracks is a small investment that goes a long way to brighten up a space and seem infinitely cleaner. If there is a crack or leak from years ago that was never repaired, it will raise questions for a buyer. Be thorough in identifying spots that need a touch up from the bathroom to kitchen backsplash. Installing new vents if yours are rusted is also a nice touch. 

Check all electrical

Are all your lights working? It’s a small thing that you aren’t aware of except when they aren’t working. There is no particular lighting that will help you sale the home faster but it should be consistent and there is a thing as too much lighting. If you have electric blinds ensure these work and make sure all appliances are clean and running. If the AC or refrigerator have dirty vents and filters, they tend to cause a noisy distraction. 

Brown Harris Stevens’ top producing team of Nada Rizk and Joanne Greene boast more than 40 years of experience of helping sellers and buyers alike successfully navigate the sales process. 

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.