Making Your Kansas City Property For Sale Attractive To Buyers

Think back to the days when you were a potential homebuyer in the Kansas City area and your weekends were filled with open houses, open houses, and well, more open houses. Which homes were appealing to you? The ones where the windows hadn’t been washed since they were installed? Or the ones where you could still smell the fresh coat of paint?

Now it’s your turn to sell your home. What can you do to make it stand out among the other fabulous homes for sale in our beautiful city? First on your list should be a home inspection. Instead of ugly surprises later when one is done by the buyers, find out now what needs fixed. Imagine potential buyers’ relief when they find out that a recent inspection was done and items were repaired.

Besides, any smart homebuyer will have an inspection done on a property before the sale is closed. Should issues arise, they have leverage to re-negotiate the price. Having an inspection done before the house is placed on the competitive Kansas City market puts you back on even footing.

Curb appeal is the first sign of a well-cared for home. If your house could use a fresh coat of paint, make sure that this is done before you place it for sale. Pay close attention to the front entry of your home. Make sure that it’s neat and clean. Replacing the front door may enhance the overall look of your home.

It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that the yard must be maintained. This means mowing it on a regular basis and weeding any flower beds. Planting new flowers lends cheer to the front of your home. Your driveway should be free of grease spots. If necessary, a fresh coat of blacktop should be applied.

When you’re selling your home, you are trying to get the buyer to see living space. This includes your outdoor patio. Having a clean deck or patio with newer furniture makes any property seem more spacious.

We know you hate to wash windows. But windows also create the illusion of a larger space to your home by bringing the outdoors in and creating airiness. Make sure that they’re in good shape (replace those that are not) and sparkling.

You love the raspberry walls in your dining room. Unfortunately, not everyone has your good taste, so painting all of your interior walls a neutral color will appeal to a broader base of buyers. Carpeting stained? Pay for a good cleaning or have it replaced if necessary. People will notice if your pets have had accidents inside the home, so the padding may need replaced as well.

All light fixtures should be in working condition. Any appliances that are being sold along with the property should be clean and functional. Plumbing and wiring should also conform to code. Most potential homebuyers are easily distracted by your belongings. You know it’s true; as humans we’re all nosy and we desperately want to see what people have in their homes. Because of this, you need to de-clutter your home of personal photographs, artifacts, tchotchkes, figurines, and so on and so forth. You will be able to make it without your collection of ceramic scarecrows for a little while, we promise. Bare walls and bare counters allow the buyer to imagine their personal photographs, artifacts, tchotchkes, and figurines in this space. And that’s part of what sells the home.

Square footage is the rest of the equation. In the end, that’s really what you’re selling. Leave plenty of room for potential homebuyers to walk around. Store furniture that isn’t necessary for day to day living. And make sure that rooms are being utilized as they were intended, i.e. the dining room should not be your office. Finally, make sure that all surfaces are neat, clean, and free of dust or dirt.

The professionals at the Urban Living Center are ready to assist you in the sale of your home. Contact them for referrals for cleaning and repair services as well as inspectors. Planning ahead is what will get you the most bang for your buck.