Long-awaited spring is just days away. Inevitably, along with renewed life and energy that comes with the change in season is the need to clean and tidy up. Time to come out of hibernation and get freshened up and organized! Whether putting your house on the market this spring, or just looking to spruce up your space, we have some ideas for you…
1. De-clutter – Time to go through those piles of paper and discard what you don’t need and organize what you do. Organize with decorative file folders and boxes. Magazines, folders and storage boxes all in the same color or pattern help create a cohesive organized look. Remove knickknacks and edit personal belongings. Less is more! Pack them up and enjoy a cleaner space. Buyers will have an easier time envisioning themselves in your home with less ‘stuff’ to distract them. Check out The Container Store for ideas.
2. Entryways – Your foyer is the first impression a seller receives upon entering your home. And purchasing a home is a very emotional experience. Your entryway should not only be neat and organized, but I also love an entryway that offers a glimpse of what the rest of the house is like. A cozy bench offers a place to put your shoes on; a table a place to rest keys and, of course, some (but a just a few) treasured items to welcome people into your home. This is a good place for some fragrant flowers or a beautiful orchid. If your welcome mat is dirty and dingy, replace it. Check out this chic bench from Target.
3. Power washing – Power washing the exterior of your home; including decks, patios, walkways and fencing makes a huge difference in how your home shows to buyers. I also recommend washing windows (and screens) and re-sealing or re-staining decks.
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4. Store the winter gear – Time to remove the heavy flannel blankets and dark plaid throws and replace them with lighter, crisper cottons in fresh or neutral colors. Pack up the winter coats and store away hats and mittens and boots.
5. Carpets and Rugs – You want buyers to envision themselves in your home and not be distracted by dingy rugs and carpeting. Rent or invest in a steam cleaner or have them professionally cleaned. Triple S in Norwalk is great and convenient – they will pick up and deliver.
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6. Paint – Probably the single most effective and inexpensive way to dramatically spruce up you home is a new coat of paint. It covers up all the scrapes and scratches that occur over time and freshens up the space. Choose neutral or softer colors when selling your home.
7. Closets – Buyers will be looking in your closets, so purge out the old stuff you don’t need and organize. Still tight on space? Then temporarily remove items you know you won’t need in the short term. Store winter clothing in boxes in the basement or attic. Your closets will feel less cramped and buyers won’t question if there’s enough space for them.
8. Clean – I mean really clean and scrub, not just a light vacuum and dusting. Get behind and under furniture and in all the cracks and crevasses. Wash down moldings and baseboards and dust lampshades. Your buyers will appreciate a sparkling home.
9. Color – A pop of cheery color will also help awaken your space. An accent pillow or pretty area rug or a single colorful vase or bowl will make a big difference in adding a little life into your home. Check out these pillows from One Kings Lane.
10. Bring the outside in – A lovely vase of bright flowers are a welcoming sight and those that are fragrant have an added bonus. Even sticks and branches from the yard or a decorative bowl of moss or seashells are inexpensive ways to add an element of nature to your home.
This post was contributed by Robin Argiriou, an agent in our Darien office. For more information about this post or the local real estate market, contact Robin at 917.748.1337 or robina@afahomes.com.
