Decorating for the sale

First Impressions

How do you attract the buyers to your home on the market, and get a good offer? There are now several interior designers that specialize in "neutral interiors" that help the flow of traffic within listed real estate. You can decide for yourself if hiring a designer is right for you. Generally, sellers can rearrange a few rooms, put some things in storage, and add paint or window treatments for a low cost. Remember, you are not decorating for yourself, you are trying to attract others. Purple flowers may look great to you, but not to the single guy that needs a home for his sports bar buddies to visit.

The latest trend is to decorate vacant homes. Hollywood stars will let designers choose and rent furnature to give their vacant estates a lived in look. By selecting a few pieces of art and a table or two, the buyers feel comfortable walking through the home and are able to picture the use of each room or space. You don't have to go to these extremes. A shower curtain will make a bath feel more welcoming than an empty bath stall. Throw a couple of $5.00 rugs on the kitchen floor. Solid colors accenting a window warms up those cold stark blinds. Click here for a few low budget examples in a vacant home.

Of course, if your brother-in-law owns a furniture wharehouse, you could stike a deal to let your home be his showroom, and free advertising for his merchandise. Most important: buyers want large rooms, so paint with light colors, and furnish with only a few small pieces. If you choose to hire a designer, make sure the cost will be returned in the final sales price.

It's a good idea to ask your real estate agent to show you the competing homes and take notes on where your home may be lacking. A few weeks to get your home ready is important. Don't hang the sign out front until you are ready to receive an offer. In this market, homes can be sold within a few hours. The first impression on a buyer may be the only chance you get.