According to this article, buyers have looked at 100 homes by the time they come by to look at yours; each home has 8000 internet hits; you’ve got to make everyhing perfect for that one buyer who does come through.
HGTV now offers entire shows devoted to advising homesellers how to stage their homes to attract buyers. Their shows and online sites attract thousands of "do it yourselfers" who seek helpful advice on adding lighting fixtures, upgrading pathways, porches, landscapes and fences to increase buyer appeal. In addition to the standard advice of removing all clutter, putting on a fresh coat of paint and new carpet – "Designed to Sell," sponsored by Coldwell Banker, shows sellers how to use decorator's techniques to place furniture in more attractive arrangements, put in new kitchen countertops and floors and upgrade landscaping with flowers and pavers. "Curb Appeal" suggests making a bold statement in the front yard -with new grass, upgraded walkways, small trees, flower pots, freshly painted fences and attractive lighting and maybe a fountain or some form of centerpiece – anything to make the property look fresh and clean. Muted paint colors also make a house look more expensive and valuable. The show's Web site suggests starting early and planning your improvements – keeping them well in line with your skill and budget. Morad, Hauser and Soler all suggest making your house A+ clean and attractive – but they advise not spending more than you have to because you won't see it back in the sale price.
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