Our homes are usually expressions of our personalities and those of the other people who live there. This is a wonderful thing - until it comes time to sell that home and move on. What works for one family may horrify another and so the savvy for sale by owner seller should make sure their property is returned to a somewhat "neutral state" before opening the door to potential buyers so that it will appeal to as many people as possible.
Use Muted Colors - Most for sale by owner home sellers give their homes a nice new coat of paint before putting it on the market, since this is a great way to spruce thing up fast. The trick though is to stick to nice muted, neutral colors that will not offend anyone's design sensibilities - creams, light browns, and tans are muted colors that create a warmer, richer look that will appeal to everyone.
The same goes for some home furnishings, especially draperies. You may love those kitty cat curtains in your kitchen but potential buyer who is no fan of felines will probably be quite put off by them. Replace with something basic and plain and the moggies can be brought out again after you move.
Don't Make Any Statements - When selling your home for sale by owner remove all of those things that make too much of a personal statement to potential buyers when you are showing them around the property. Collections, trophies, clippings and projects should be put away, for display in your next home as should personal photos and even artwork. You may love Picasso reproductions but other may not and their distaste for the pieces will detract their attention from your wonderful home.
Neutralize the Exterior of Your Home as Well - Most homeowners tend to personalize the outside as well as the inside of their homes. Neat little signs bearing the family surname, flags proudly supporting their favorite sports teams or little driveway signs that make cute little jokes. When you are selling you home for sale by owner it is time for all of these things to head for the storage shed as well.
It will be hard for a potential owner to visualize your FSBO home as their own if your name is emblazoned all over it and they happen to support your teams arch rivals that, silly as it might seem to some non sports fans, could be enough to sour a potential buyer on your place in a minute.
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