FIRST IMPRESSIONS MEAN EVERYTHING!
One of the most important aspects in the marketing of your home is the feeling it conveys to prospective buyers. We all love the feeling of “BEING AT HOME” and it is very important that we give prospective buyers that feeling as their first impression. Remember, you never have a second chance to make a good first impression. I’ve developed the following DO’s and DON’Ts to help us keep that “JUST LIKE HOME” feeling:
DO KEEP THE FRONT YARD CLEAN
This is the first thing prospective buyers will see. Make sure it’s clean and that the grass has been mowed and trimmed or that snow and ice are removed from the driveway, walkways, and steps. Don’t turn the buyers off before the inside can turn them on!
DO TOUCH UP OR PAINT FADED WALLS
New paint will help give you a much better impression. A few $$ invested in a gallon or two of paint will pay dividends.
DO FIX LEAKY FAUCETS AND PLUMBING
No one likes a dripping faucet or water stains under a sink. Let’s not let our buyers slip down the drain.
DO CAULK ANY NEEDED AREAS IN THE BATHROOM AND KITCHEN
Buyers notice caulking and grouting in bad repair and it’s often minor to have this freshened up. Little things can “seal” a deal.
DO CLEAN THE CARPETS AND FLOORS
Carpet should be freshly shampooed. A vacuum and mop can go a long way in making a good first impression.
DO FIX ANYTHING THAT NEEDS FIXING
Torn or missing screens, cracked glass, nicked woodwork, and anything in need of repair can dampen a home hunter’s enthusiasm. These things turn up during the home inspection anyway, so a good philosophy is: If it’s broken, fix it!
DO DE-CLUTTER THE HOUSE
Re-pack compactly, throw or give away any un-needed items, or rent a mini-storage space and move out as much material as you can. You want your closets and storage space to look as spacious as possible. Remember, SHOWING a home and LIVING in a home are two different things!
DO HIDE ANYTHING THAT LOOKS LIKE WORK
Vacuum cleaners, hoses, lawnmowers, and any other work items should be hidden or neatly arranged. Accent anything that involves fun: stereos, television, skis, toys, etc. Everyone would rather PLAY than WORK!
DO SET THE MOOD
When showing your home, make sure the lights are on, day or night, the stereo is turned on to a soft music channel, and the drapes are open. Be sure all beds are made and all bathroom and kitchen counters are clean. A good idea is to think of “having your home ready for company” after all, a buyer is the best guest of all!
DO KEEP THE TEMPERATURE COMFORTABLE
If it’s hot, cool it down; if it’s cold, heat it up. If it’s a hot summer day, a cold pitcher of lemonade with a “help yourself” note might be very welcome. Remember, the idea is “make the buyer comfortable in the home!
DON’T STAY AT HOME FOR SHOWINGS
We want the buyers to “make themselves at home”! The agent has spent many hours with the buyers and knows how to handle their objections, but first the buyers must feel comfortable in expressing any objections which they might not do in your presence. Let the broker handle the showing!
DON’T LEAVE YOUR PETS IN THE HOUSE
Even though your dog is “friendly”, some people are afraid of dogs and won’t enter a home with a “barking dog” even if the dog is “friendly”. Buyers can’t think “buy” when they are thinking “bye”.
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