Can you imagine the anxiety a buyer feels looking at another person’s home… in the closets, cabinets, attic, etc. it makes it challenging to feel comfortable placing their own furniture or figuring which room to place the Christmas tree. Now, imagine doing the same things IN THE DARK! Let’s do everything we can to encourage home buyers looking at our property to look and feel the house – let’s enlighten it for them – after all, we want them to make it their home! We send a professional photographer to capture all of our listing photos and auto-enhance the lighting of those shots individually, so the home shines on the web and in our marketing materials. Sellers have to handle the rest so that it shows beautifully in person as well:
- First and foremost, Brass is a thing of the Past! Head out to HomeGoods, Tuesday Morning or a large discount store like Costco or Sam’s and buy basic yet modern fixtures in oil-rubbed bronze (it has a brown finish) or brushed nickel finish.
- Use new, clear light bulbs in all fixtures so they do not burn out while showing the home.
- Consider using lighting timers if you are gone during the day for those last minute showing requests, especially in winter months when we have less daylight.
- Use the highest wattage possible to brighten the home.
- Clean off all fixtures, remove dust from interior lights and cobwebs from the exterior.
- Add lighting to a space by using decorative lamps or under cabinets and closets using the battery operated push lights.
- A mirror properly placed helps add dimension to a small room and adds light by reflecting natural light throughout the space.
- Let the natural light in – accentuate the windows by removing or opening all draperies and removing the exterior screens (they make the windows look dirty) and place them in the attic for safe keeping, as they must convey with the home.
- If you really want to enhance curb-appeal, consider adding a basic landscape lighting package to the front yard. You can find them at your local home supply store and install a basic package in half a day!
- Save yourself the trouble of baking cookies for a showing – add a touch of vanilla extract to a light bulb when it is off… once the light is on, the light scent is released and mesmerizes home buyers!
We hope these tips help you maximize your next showing appointment!
Adapted from Realtor.org Jul/Aug 2012 article by Melissa Dittman Tracey