The Psychology of Selling for More

Ready for a lightning round of tips to crank up your home's value? There are hidden gems sitting right under your nose.

One of my favorite examples is flat paint (no satin or semi gloss finish). Not all paint colors/sheens are created equal. Certain colors have been shown to help homes sell for more money. My go-to color is Sherwin-Williams Alabaster. It's a warm, clean neutral that buyers love because it works with almost any decorating style and it photographs beautifully.

Next is decorative trim work and accent walls. I can't tell you how many times my buyers walked into a perfectly nice home that felt completely forgettable. The layout was fine. The condition was fine. Nothing was wrong with it. It just lacked personality.

When a seller invests a few hundred dollars in trim details or a feature wall, suddenly the home pops with character, like a model home. Ever wonder why builders load their model homes with accent walls, decorative moldings, statement lighting, and carefully selected finishes? Because buyers make emotional decisions first and logical decisions second. Ironically, those are very inexpensive upgrades that have massive ROI. 

Next is flooring. If you go to market with worn hardwoods, matted carpet or crusty grout, you instantly devalue your home in the eyes of a buyer. Make sure you touch up wood floors (cheap fixes like Old English) and invest in fresh neutral carpet. It’s a hassle, but it’s way worse to sit on market for 45+ days. My motto is Don’t wait, get it right outta the gate! Otherwise, get ready to hear it in the feedback forms. 

Last couple tips. Replace ancient ceiling fans, bathroom vanity lights, and front door exterior fixtures (if out dated). Replace old cabinet hardware, clean up the yard and paint the front door.

The goal is to spend the smartest money. If you or someone you know is thinking of selling, share this with them and put some money back in their pockets. Better yet, share my info and I’ll guide them through plus so much more!

Happy selling,

Mike Wistrick