When you’re preparing your home to sell, you’ll want to do the usual things:
- Have it professionally cleaned.
- De-clutter to the extreme.
- Paint.
- Fix any and everything that’s broken
- New light fixtures.
- Update the decor.
- New blinds.
- New furniture (if necessary).
But, when you live on the Vineyard, there are a few other things to think about. We live on an island destination which means that many people are looking for a second home, a home with rental possibilities and/or a beach home. So, I recommend that the home be staged to compliment those buyer desires.
These might include:
- Gadgets and upgrades that might not exist in the regularly lived in home - think pool tables, extra entertainment systems, carriage houses.
- Showcased space for holding events like weddings and parties or even big dinners.
- Extra rooms outfitted for guest bedrooms or owner hideaways.
- Vineyard touches, ‘At the beach’ signs, lobster motifs, beach and summer toys and necessities.
- Lockable areas for owner belongings.
- A guest book full of information on the property and the island.
- Beautiful windows because everyone comes to the Vineyard to be outside - clean, clear and well-treatmented windows bring the island right into the home giving the impression that your home has everything the buyer came here for.
When people walk into a home and their questions are answered, their senses are tickled and their dreams are visible, the chances of them wanting to make an offer (and move in right away!) increases dramatically.
