When prospective buyers visit your listed home, the room they tend to check out most closely is the kitchen.  So, it pays to ensure it looks its best.  However, no matter how tidy, clean, and well-adorned you’ve made your kitchen there are some issues which can seem minor, that can distract a buyer from appreciating those positive qualities.  Here are just a few to watch out for:

Stained sink. Use a specialized cleaner for the type of sink you have. (For example, Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner.)   Garbage in the garbage bin. Buyers don’t mind seeing the bin, just not garbage in it!  Don’t forget to also empty the organic waste bin.  Left-over cooking scents. Avoid cooking anything prior to a viewing that may create lingering odours. For example, not everyone appreciates the aroma of spaghetti sauce!

Cluttered countertops. You want the countertops to look spacious to buyers. So remove any items that don’t absolutely need to be there.  Old or worn mat in front of the sink. Replace it.  Cluttered or disorganized cupboards. Declutter and organize your cupboards. Buyers are most likely to open upper cabinets.

Poor lighting. You want the lighting in your kitchen to be bright (but not blinding) and evenly distributed.  Damaged or stained countertops. Replacing your countertops can improve your kitchen’s look considerably, so it might be worth the investment.

As you may know, curb appeal refers to how your property looks from the street, where potential buyers first see it.  Your home’s curb appeal can have a big impact on the sale of your property.  In fact, it’s not uncommon for a buyer to drive by a listing, rather than stop, because they don’t like what they see.

So, how can you improve your home’s curb appeal quickly?  One way is to do some outside cleaning.   Start with the main entryway.  Wash down the front door and sweep (or power wash) the front steps.  It only takes a few minutes, but you’d be surprised by the impact it can have.  Sweep or power wash your walkway too and you’ll improve the overall look of your home — sometimes dramatically.

Clean your front windows to brighten the look of your home’s facade.  It doesn’t have to be an arduous chore.  In fact, there are washing products available that attach to your garden hose.  You don’t even need a ladder!

If you have hedges and shrubs, give them a trim.  To keep your trimming level, use a wide board, or even a piece of cardboard, then cut to the desired height.  Pull off any dead leaves or branches.  Of course, also mow the lawn!

Finally, inspect your property from the street.  Can you see anything else you can do to quickly improve the look?   Do you notice anything that is unsightly or distracting, such as garbage bins that could be relocated?

Would you like more suggestions on how to stage your home so that it gains the interest of buyers?  Call, email, or text Alan Good today!  519-871-7994.  I am always available to answer questions on real estate.  No purchase necessary.