First Impressions

1. Make the Most of that First Impression

A well-manicured lawn, trimmed shrubs and an open clean porch welcome home shoppers. So does a freshly painted or at least freshly cleaned front door. If it’s fall, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, make sure the walkways and drive way are kept shoveled and ice free. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better. Do a through cleaning top to bottom. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider doing some touch up. If time is an issue hire a maid service or painters to get the job done for you. Someone looking at your house would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."

2. Check the Faucets and Light Bulbs

Don't let the drips get in the way of you home selling, discolored sink suggest faulty or old tired plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring keeps your home looking dark. Fix all of the little things you can. A buyer will feel more assured the property has been well cared for and maintained.

3. Does everything work?

Make sure your doors and cabinets work and don't stick or squeak. The more you can take care of before the buyer prospect sees your house, the less things the buyer will have to object to.

4. Think Safety

Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of safety issues: roller skates on the stairs, tangled extension cords, low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as safe as possible for your buyers who are seeing the home for the first time.

5. Make Room for Their Stuff

Potential buyers are looking at more than just the condition of your house, they are looking to see how their belongings and furnishings will fit. To help them try to un-clutter as much as possible. remove a lot of the knickknacks and things that may cramp your prospects style.

6. Consider Your Closets

The better organized the closet is, the larger it appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes, shoes and old toys and donate them to your favorite charity.

7. Make Your Bathroom Sparkle

Clean bathrooms sell homes, so get out the rubber gloves and scrub it down. Repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. Eliminate stains and mold or mildew from all of your fixtures. Display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains. Add a silk plant or flower arrangement and make it feel comfortable and calm.

8. Let the Sun Shine

Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is. Turn on lights to help brighten the spaces.

9. Clear Out

Potential buyers often feel like they are intruding when the family is home. Consequently they will rush through the showing and give give your home the time and attention it deserves. If at all possible try to clear out and give them some space and time to view.

10. Pets

Dogs and cats are a part of your family but can be troublesome to buyers. Try to keep them confined or remove them from the property during showings.

11. Special Requirements

Make you Realtor aware of any special requirements you may have when other agents are showing your home. All showings must be set be appointment only which gives us a chance to talk to the other agent and let them know of your requirements and also gives us a chance to talk up the features of your home. Please refer anyone who does not have an appointment to your Realtor to schedule a time to view the property.