{Guest Post: Surprising Selling Points for a Home}

February 22, 2012


I have a great guest post today for y'all from Christina Johnson who is a journalism major who loves home decor design and DIY home projects.  Thanks for guest posting today Christina! I just may need you back to talk about home decor design. 

Surprising Selling Points for a Home
Article submitted by Christina Johnson

Choosing a home is a process that for most people is very emotionally fueled, even if they might not realize it. Many of the things that make a house "right" to people are feelings regarding their first impressions of it. If it doesn't feel right, it quickly gets removed as an option. When looking at a house, prospective buyers often pay more attention to the little details than the home as a whole. Being aware of the surprising selling points in a home can help you sell it faster.

Paint Job

If the exterior of the house is looking drab and shabby, it can give the impression that the house is run down and has not been well cared for. It will make your potential buyers wonder what else is wrong and if they continue to look at it, they may start paying extra attention to minor flaws as well. Although it's a time-consuming task, applying a fresh coat of paint before placing your home on the market will foster good first impressions.

Floors

Most floors can show massive damage with age. Linoleum and tile floors are prone to problems such as peeling, cracking or chipping. Wooden floors that haven't been diligently tended to over the years can be scratched, warped or splintered. You can bet that if you notice it easily, house shoppers will, too. Flooring is one of the simpler and less expensive alterations to make to a house, so it's advisable to replace it if it looks too haggard.

Landscape

Along with your home's exterior, one of the first things potential buyers will see is the landscaping. People tend to imagine themselves in the house as they see it, so a cluttered, patchy lawn and sparse gardens aren't likely to win hearts. Well-tended plants, bright flowers and tidy walkways create an idyllic scene that prospective homeowners will want to be a part of.

Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is one of the busiest and most heavily used rooms in any home. Shoddy cabinets like those made from engineered wood don't hold up well against the heat, moisture and mess that comes with cooking. Chipping, peeling, warping and discoloration are common and make the atmosphere seem squalid. Many people prefer sturdy kitchen cabinets that they know they won't have to pay to replace in the near future.

Smells

The odors created by your activities in your home like cooking or smoking permeate everything, including the paint on the walls. These are things that buyers will have to live with or fix by themselves. For a few months before you're to sell your home, take steps to reduce odors, air it out and make use of things like scented candles, air fresheners and baking desserts.

Christina Johnson who works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the NYC Apartments and Rentals market.  She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.