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If you want buyers to be interested
in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A
good first impression can influence a buyer into making
an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually.
In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think
of when they consider the asking price.
A bad first impression can dissuade a potential buyer.
Don't show your property until it's all fixed up. You
do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative
first impression they have as means of negotiation.
Ask around for the opinions others have of your home.
Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid
advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects
or landscape designers have to say. What you need are
objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate
the personal and emotional ties you have for the home
from the property itself.
Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to
be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you
should consider the following:
First Impressions Are Lasting...
The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh,
clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged,
and the yard free of refuse. Be sure walks and steps are
free from debris, snow and ice.
Ambience
Make your home inviting. Play soft, soothing music. Pull
back curtains and drapes to make rooms bright and cheery.
Arrange fresh flowers or position potted plants.
Landscape
Make sure your lawn is freshly cut, bushes are pruned
and planting areas are weeded. For inexpensive color,
add a row of annuals along the walkway.
Let The Sun Shine In...
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how
cheerful your home could be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.)
Exterior
Inspect the condition of the roof. If you have any broken
or missing shingles, replace them. Clean out gutters and
downspouts. Wash vinyl and aluminum siding. Add a fresh
coat of paint to wood siding and trim.
Driveway
Most visitors will walk to your entrance via the driveway.
If the cement is broken or blacktop cracked resurface
it. A smooth, clean driveway will tell potential buyers
that you have taken care of your home.
Clear the Clutter
Sweep your sidewalks; clear your patio or deck of small,
unnecessary items, and keep your garage door closed. Cars
should not be parked in the driveway while your home is
being shown.
Touch-Ups
A fresh coat of paint is an important investment. Whether
it is the trim, front door, wood siding, or interior walls
if it is pealing or faded, repaint it. Replace worn hardware
and lighting fixtures. Check windows. Repair or replace
torn screens.
Repairs
Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet
drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value.
Have them fixed.
Entry
The entry is where every visitor will be welcomed into
your home. Its appearance will have a lasting impact on
those who enter. Make sure the doorbell works and the
area are neat and well lit.
Kitchen
Research shows the kitchen is one of the most important
areas to potential buyers. Never show your home with dirty
dishes in the sink. Clean your appliances so they sparkle.
Your cabinets should be organized. Clear your countertops
to make your work surfaces appear larger, and replace
any surfaces that have been damaged.
Bathroom
Repair dripping faucets. Replace any damaged caulking,
and make sure all tile and grout are clean. Remove personal
care items. New shower curtains and towels will add freshness
and appeal to your home.
Storage
Neat, well-organized closets appear larger. Hardware and
house ware stores have shelving and compartments that
will maximize space usage. Remove all unneeded tools and
items from your garage, basement or attic.
Basement
You may not realize it, but your basement will indicate
how much care you’ve given to maintaining your home.
This is the time to clean the furnace and laundry areas.
If your basement leak waterproof it.
Keep It Clean
Your house should always be in tip-top shape for showings.
Clean flooring, windows and mirrors. Replace badly worn
carpet. Always make sure the carpet has been vacuumed
prior to a showing. Make all necessary repairs. Make every
room looks spacious, bright and attractive. Place pets
in a fenced area or arrange for them to stay with friends
during a showing. |
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