The sign reads “open house,” one of many houses prospective homebuyers will tour on a given weekend, not to mention the dozen they’ve already seen. As they turn the corner and see the open sign, something about this house seems different – it really stands out among all the other residences on the block.
The homebuyers hope the interior looks as good as the exterior; upon entering, the potential buyers are pleasingly surprised. This house sparkles inside and out. It’s the perfect house.
A drive through the Park Cities on a sunny day is a lovely sightseeing experience – so many houses look “perfect” here. But how do you make sure that yours looks as perfect, or more perfect, than the one next door?
In the beginning, our neighborhoods were developed specifically to foster good schools, neighborhood shopping and beautiful homes that could accommodate families. In fact, advertisements in the 1930s boasted that the Park Cities were 10 degrees cooler than Dallas!
Naturally, people bought houses here and are continuing to move to our neighborhood, even as prices continue to rise.
Each seller is competing with many other properties, so local interior decorators and landscape architects say that to sell, a house must sparkle.
The good news: Adding “sparkle” often is easy and not too costly.
Dan Barnes, landscape architect and owner of Imagescapes, emphasizes the drive up appeal for potential buyers.
“You want your house to invite people in,” Barnes says.
“Keep the exterior in decent shape; constant mowing and leaf raking is a great show. If they think the outside looks well-maintained, then you have given them the impression that the inside will be well-maintained.”
Also, Barnes suggests, “trim the trees and shrubbery and add some color, just a few seasonal flowers in clean beds or pots really dresses up the exterior.”
Barnes says he doesn’t hesitate to encourage clients trying to sell their homes to pay attention to details such as low-hanging branches or bushes that block walking paths.
“Today, homes are your biggest investment, and you want to protect that investment by putting your best foot forward,” he says.
Other good ideas: Study the exterior, noticing if gutters need cleaning, as well as windows and siding. Renting a power washer could save time and money. Check to see if exterior painting is needed, if wood or shutters need replacing, or if the roof needs repairs.
Time spent now will save time before closing.
Local interior decorator Barbara Floyd, owner of Barbara B. Floyd Interiors, advises her clients that a home’s exterior and interior need updating.
It’s unanimous among decorators that the number one interior priority is to eliminate clutter from inside the house, giving the impression that the rooms are larger.
“Give the house a thorough cleaning,” says Lexon Cole, owner of Second Opinion Interiors. “Spiff up, straighten up and get rid of clutter. It will look more spacious if it is neat and tidy.”
Cole also suggests going through the house to do “maintenance-management…we tend to put off things like squeaky doors and leaks. This is the time to go from room to room touching up and taking care of normal wear and tear.
“Rooms with a lot of wear, like children’s rooms – go ahead and paint. And if the carpet is worn, replace it, especially if there is a pet at the residence. The house will smell fresh and clean, and this will have a positive impact on the buyers.”
While inspecting your house, check faucets and replace broken or corroded ones. Clean tile and grout, removing fingerprints from doors and appliances, and replace air filters.
Also, clean out the garage and closets – you’re going to have to do it in preparation for moving anyway, so it’s better to take care of this chore now when it will help get the best price for your property.
When a house is being shown, leave the drapes open and keep the lights on, day or night. Keep all walkways clear, and take the extra time to keep the house clean and ready to show at a moment’s notice.
