If your house is on the market and not getting the positive feedback you dreamed of on the day you listed it, there are still a few quick tricks that might change how buyers see your house. Or if you’re contemplating listing, try following these tips for a quicker sale for the right price.

My listing where the client kept everything beautifully organized, light and bright. Sold!

Quick Tip #1: Half Empty Closets. Buyers are always looking for more storage space, and you can bet they’re going to snoop through your closets. Clear out AT LEAST half of everything in your closet. More than half is better. This includes linen closets and hall coat closets. If you have to rent storage space or borrow a closet from a friend, do it. And once your closet is half empty, make sure it stays beautifully organized and clean. Buy baskets to hold your loose items like gloves, scarfs, etc. I have one seller who kept her closets immaculately clean for showings. And guess what? That house is under contract.

Conversely, I recently showed a lovely home to a client. When we got to the master closet, the floor was cluttered with five or six pairs of high heels and boots. Obviously the seller had not taken the time that morning to stand them up like little soldiers. And guess what? My buyer viewed the home as disorganized and not well maintained. Try as I might, I can’t convince her otherwise. She’ll choose a different home.

Quick Tip #2:  Light it Up. Buyers love light. They equate it with clean and spacious. It’s the easiest way to appeal to a buyer. When you have a showing scheduled, open all your blinds and turn on all your lights. If a room has limited lighting, invest is a couple of cute table lamps or a floor lamp. Take down the drapes, increase the wattage in your light bulbs, change out any heavy lampshades, even cut bushes that might be covering windows. Do whatever it takes to make you home lighter and brighter, which will in turn make it more sellable.

Quick Tip #3:  Conceal your critters. I’ve already written about this before, but I really think it bears repeating. In Santa Fe we love our pets. Really love our pets. But there’s a chance that your potential buyer doesn’t care at all for dogs or cats. There’s also a chance that they have an allergy. Nothing will turn off a buyer quicker than the smell of an animal. Dog beds should go in the garage during a showing. The kitty toys can be put in a closet. Buyers don’t want to walk in your house and see the litter box or a bowl full of dog food. It gives the impression that your home is not clean.

I have more tips, but these are an easy start. And if you’re really having a hard time getting your house sold, give me a call. I’d be happy to walk through it with the eyes of a buyer and give you my feedback. This is what I do. And I love my job!

Happy Selling.