The Kansas City real estate market is hopping. People are getting a crazy number of really high offers after only being listed for 24 hours or less.
The good ones go quick, but in the current market, the really good ones go sight unseen for cash offers. It’s bananas!
Even though the conditions are favorable for sellers, you still have to put the work in. With most houses selling in 24-48 hours, buyers don’t have time to visit homes that don’t stand out as true contenders.
So, how do you get your house to appeal to buyers? A good realtor will point out your unique selling advantages, but the area where you can add the most value is staging. Thankfully, most staging efforts don’t have to break the bank.
Here are three staging opportunities you can implement at no cost:
CURB APPEAL
Try to walk up to your home like it is the first time. What stands out? Take some time to be objective and remember, the first view they have of your home is from the driveway.
Consider pulling out the pressure washer to clean the driveway. Depending on how long it’s been, you may want to hit the garage doors and sides of the house as well. As you approach your front door, consider little things that make the house feel more like a home – i.e., flowers or a cute welcome mat.
Bonus Tip: Inside, remember the goal is to help your buyer envision themselves in the house. You want it to feel like a blank canvas, like their future home.
CLEANLINESS
One of the most difficult parts of selling your home is having to keep it clean all the time.
The two areas of your home where cleanliness is most noticeable are the kitchen and bathrooms. Make it shine! If those areas are dirty, people are going to notice. As far as living spaces go, you can likely get away with cleaning the floors, dusting fans, and baseboards.
CLUTTER
Here’s the cold hard truth: how you live in your house and how you sell your house are two different things. You like your pictures, décor, and doll collection – but your buyers may not. It’s not that they don’t like dolls, it’s that now they can’t unsee them. If buyers are caught up on your stuff, they’re not connecting with your house.
Tips to declutter: Getting rid of clutter doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your stuff. But, if purging is something you want to do, now is the time to do it. Some good places to start are the walls, closets, and common areas. Can some of your pictures come down? What about seasonal clothing or extra dishes? Packing away some of the stuff in your storage areas will make them seem larger and cleaner.
Getting your house ready to sell can be a bittersweet process. Your home is the backdrop to so many memories. We’ve been there, and we can help. We will walk through your home with you and your realtor to find the most effective ways to stage it for sale.
Give us a call at 816.500.7759 to schedule a consultation today.
