First Impressions

First impressions are everything!  A seller has the power to influence the price a buyer is willing to pay for simply by giving his home the attention it deserves.  Replacing a worn-out system such as the air conditioners or roof and maintaining a home in neat, clean condition - inside and out - makes a world of difference to most buyers.  Manicured, healthy lawns and attractive entry areas maximize a home’s curb appeal and invite buyers to come inside.  Did you know that a great first impression could make the buyer decide to buy a home?

So what should a seller do to make his home more attractive to buyers?

Exterior:

• Manicure the landscaping: mow edge and water the lawn, trim hedges weed and fertilize flower beds, and prune trees away from the building.

• Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars and keep the garage door closed.

• Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles and any rotted siding or trim.

• Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions like toys and bikes.

• 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 the appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.  (Neutral is best!)

• Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas.

• Be sure to pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and frame.

• Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway, if weather permits.

• Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light or decorative glass.

Inside:

Once inside, a home’s interior should confirm the buyer’s curbside decision. Most buyers will be looking for light, bright, clean and spacious.

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to a buyer’s perceived value of your home.

• For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.

• Clear kitchen counters of everything other than perhaps a few very pretty items. Ask yourself; in a model home would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?

• Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you are planning to move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing up unused belongings for storage or donating.

• If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls and window and floor coverings with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and décor.

• Repair dripping faucets, install the highest allowable wattage bulbs in fixtures and replace cracked windowpanes.

• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper and tiles.

Always nice to have:

• Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths or freshly baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen can make your home feel warm and inviting. Just a hint is good – be sure not to over do it!

• Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to display only for showings.

Remember: A buyer buys what he sees – not what will be. Prepare the home before going on the market to maximize the sales price. Giving allowances for new carpet or paint or repairs often costs more than it would if the seller had completed the work ahead of time. Buyers usually over estimate the costs of repairs– and under value a home that needs improvements.

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