Give Your Silicon Valley Home “Sales Appeal”

Determining the optimal sales price for your Silicon Valley area home depends on the following factors:

• Location!
• The state of the Santa Clara Valley real estate market
• A value analysis of what other homes in your neighborhood have sold for
• And, perhaps most importantly, the condition of your home!

One of the best ways to ready your Silicon Valley home for showings is to look at it through the eyes of a buyer.

First Impressions Count!

The first thing potential buyers see is the front of your Silicon Valley home. If it’s not warm and inviting, a mediocre first impression may color the buyer’s feeling about your entire home. Cross the street and look at your front yard. Are there toys, tools and bikes strewn about? Pick them up. Does your landscaping look crisp and neat? If not, hire someone to pull weeds, trim hedges, plant blooming flowers, power wash the sidewalk and driveway, mow the grass, and edge the lawn. Make the entryway to your home embrace potential buyers. Add a splash of color by placing pots of flowers near the door, touch up any peeling paint, buy a new doormat and clean the glass panes on your door.

Next, walk around the sides and back of your home to make sure

• Gutters are aligned, free of leaves, and clean
• Windows/screens are spotless
• Fences are in good repair
• Roof is clean and in good condition
• Downspouts are in place have clear drainage
• Outdoor storage sheds and garages are organized to reflect maximum storage

Remove Personalized Accessories - Make It Look Like Anybody’s Home

One of the most valuable tools you can use to ready your home for showings is the good, old-fashioned, plastic trash bag. Removing excess clutter is one of the easiest, and most economical ways to prepare your Silicon Valley home for sale. Clean up and remove excess toys, computer games, books, magazines, bric-a-brac, clothing and anything else that makes the home look unkempt. If you can’t bear to part with your things, rent a storage locker to stash away the excess until you move.

Buyers tend to respond positively to homes in which they can picture themselves, their furniture and their possessions. It’s to your advantage to make your Silicon Valley home look and feel as “neutral” as possible. You may love your brightly painted rooms and colorful carpeting, but they may be off-putting to buyers. We have preferred partners who will paint that colorful wall or replace that carpet.

Suggestions for de-personalizing your home include:

• Paint the walls beige, white or cream
• Replace colorful carpeting with neutral carpeting or tile
• Remove family portraits and wall-mounted photos
• Store spiritual/religious items out of view
• Avoid cooking heavily scented foods before a showing

When There’s a Showing: 30 Minute Quick Tips

• Turn on lights and replace burned out light bulbs
• Open all drapes and shades - let the sun shine in!
• Tune radio to soft or classical music
• Remove pets while the home is on the market by boarding your pet. If that option isn't practical, take them to a neighbor’s home during the showing
• Make beds
• Take out the trash and recycling
• Unclutter the desk and kitchen/bath counter tops
• Organize and straighten computer disks, video games, CD’s
• Wipe bathroom vanities
• Put out clean towels
• Store small kitchen appliances in cupboards
• Wipe refrigerator, stove and dishwasher
• Place a bouquet of flowers on the dining room/kitchen table

Did You Know? Staged homes sale quicker and for more money! The SV Home Team is happy to help advise you on staging your Silicon Valley home for maximum return on investment. Please contact us for a complimentary home staging consultation.