Inside These Walls: The Next Seduction

Just like the exterior, the interior of your house is equally as

important, and you should prepare to spend a good chunk of time

fixing up inside.

The easiest way to make your house appealing is to

thoroughly clean it—yes, even the windows—and to eliminate the

clutter, especially “personal” clutter. It is difficult for people to

picture themselves in a house if it is heavily decorated with your

teddy bear and Lenox collections and adorned with numerous photos

of all your family and friends. Such decor sends the message, “This

is MY house.” The buyers are there not to buy your stuff but your

house.

When you are trying to sell your house, it is the message to

avoid. While you can leave generic décor, such as live healthylooking

and nice artificial plants or commercial pictures, try to

eliminate as many personal touches as possible. It’s hard, but it can

definitely make the house more appealing to others, who prefer to

imagine their own personal décor as they walk through the house.

Painting is one expense where you get back your money. It

makes the house look clean and fresh. Painting the rooms in a

neutral color may be boring but it provides for an easier sale. And, it

reflects light best and makes rooms larger.

And, don’t skip this step: Go to at least two open houses,

and ask yourself what you would have done differently if you were

showing the house as it was shown, would you buy the house? Why

or why not? Watch a few decorating show on TV. What did they do

that made the difference? Any latest colors, fixtures and accessories?