Maximizing First Impressions: Part 1

There are many important things to consider when selling your home. Just read below.

As a Real Estate Professional, I believe the most important thing is having your home ready to show. Most buyers will know if they like your home in the first 30 seconds. Really. 30 Seconds is barely enough time to get from the car to the front door. So, first impressions are absolutely important! Sellers need to have their home looking good from the front curb to the back yard. A buyer's first impression may very well be their last impression. I can't tell you how many times I've pulled into a home's driveway, with potential buyers, only to back up and move on to the next house.

Consider the list below when planning to put your house on the market. Doing these things in advance will help with those quick home showings appointments that give you little time to prepare. I encourage my clients to make sure their home is ready to show every time they leave. And here’s how:

General Exterior
· Prospective buyers will react well if your home has been well-maintained
· Manicure landscaping - mow; edge and water lawn; trim hedges; weed and fertilize
flowerbeds; and prune trees
· Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed
· Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles
· Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions, like toys or snow.
· Items, from RV’s to waste cans, left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance
· Make sure that from the street, your property appears clear
· Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb
· Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas
· Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests
· Pick up after your pets and neighborhood animals

Front Doorway
· While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details
· Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door
· Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway, if weather permits
· Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass

That's it for Part 1. Check back soon for "Maximizing First Impressions: Part 2."