How to Sell Your Home in a Buyers' Market

Real estate mavens agree it is now a buyer's market. That means that prospective home buyers are in the driver's seat, with many properties to choose from. For sellers, that means that selling an existing home can be difficult and that there is plenty of competition. There are ways, however, for sellers to make their homes more appealing to that potential buyer. Since most buyers decide within the first eight seconds whether or not they are interested in a home, the first sight of any home for sale is very important. It's not just location, location, location but first impression, first impression, first impression.

Small things like fresh paint, new carpeting, and great decor can make or break a real estate deal so what the buyer sees must be attractive, appealing, and awe inspiring.

Light ranks high on the list of factors that encourage a buyer toward a specific home. Homes that seem dark or dim or dingy are slow sellers so let there be light! One of the simplest ways to light up a home's interior is to paint in fresh, light or bright colors. Neutrals like white are classic but other shades like yellows or vivid warm colors can also bring light in what seems like a dim room. Yellow is the top choice, however, because we associate yellow with bright sunlight and spring flowers. Coordinated with positive colors like fire engine red (once a no-no but now a very popular interior color), soft blue-violet, or a rich green, yellow can lighten any room and make it appeal to the buyer. If the home on the market is still furnished, use accessories like drapes, throw pillows, or accent rugs with shades of yellow to draw the light and the buyer's eye.

Views are another important factor in how a buyer will see a home. Don't block the scenic view with heavy drapes, blinds, or other obstructions. Go with sheer curtains or see through shades that let both light and view into the house. Let the prospective buyer see the lovely vista of the park across the street, the lake down the road, or those mountains in the distance. If the view is unappealing, however, like a blank brick wall or a parking lot, cover those windows with the most attractive window treatments possible.

Make sure that the home is clean, dust free, and has a pleasant aroma. Homes that are empty often acquire a musty scent that isn't appealing so use fragrance to make the place smell like home. Potpourri in a pretty dish, air freshener products, and candles - unlit of course - can be used to waft pleasing smells through the home.

Check flooring. Scuffed floors, worn carpeting, and torn vinyl flooring can turn a buyer off. If necessary, spend the money to replace old or damaged flooring so that buyers will walk into a dream come true. Don't limit choices to traditional vinyls or carpets either. New easy to install laminate wood look flooring offers the beauty of traditional hard wood floors with the easy installation and simple care of vinyls.

Make sure the lawn is attractive, short and well-tended. If flower beds are present, keep them weeded and looking great. Pick up any trash or lawn debris (sticks, twigs, leaves, branches) to make the yard seem as appealing as the house itself.

Sellers today need every advantage to find a buyer for their property so use these tips to make home sweet home even sweeter - and sell!