Credit for this photo goes to ThisOldHouse
You are
finally ready to sell your home. Great! However when showing your home to
potential buyers, first impressions are the most lasting and important to its
sale. Your main role in selling your home is to make it as attractive as
possible for prospective buyers. Here
are some tips to help you make a good first impression when selling your home.
The exterior of your home creates the
first impression. Since
the exterior of your home is the first and last thing potential buyers see,
some effort can make a big difference in the impression your home makes. Make
sure to keep up the maintenance on your lawn and driveway. You want to make
sure that your lawn is cleanly cut, the shrubs and trees are trimmed, and that
your garden is weeded. Another big thing about the front of your house is to
make sure all the toys, lawn equipment, and other items are neatly stored away
to make everything look great. A few other things to check on the exterior of
your home is to make sure the windows are clean, address numbers are polished
and in place, fresh paint on the garage and door, and adding some
embellishments to make your home look welcoming.
A clean interior will reinforce your
home’s good first impression. After the potential buyer walks through the exterior of your home having
a clean interior will keep the good impression going. Clear any clutter on your
shelves and other furniture. By having a clean and organized home it gives the
impression of it being open and airy. Another big thing is to make sure your
home is clean. Dust all shelving, polish the door knobs, clean the windows and
mirrors, and wax those floors it will make a better impression than having a
dusty, dirty home and hoping it will sell like that. One thing that few sellers
know to do is to de-personalize your home. By removing those knickknacks and
family photos it will help those prospective buyers imagine the home as their
own.
Check out the ambiance of your home in
the evening. Making
sure that your home looks great in the day and evening is a great way to leave
a lasting impression. Walk around your home and make sure that the lights
outside work and position them to where it looks welcoming and appealing to
anyone that may be passing by. Also, make sure your house numbers are visible
on the outside by installing a small light fixture beside it or purchase an
illuminated one.
Make sure to fix any minor or cosmetic
repairs that needs to be done. That wooden fence has been in your yard for years, but the paint is
chipping and you’re missing some of the posts. You’d definitely want to repair
that and any other minor things around the house. By having freshly painted
doors, fences, and other items it gives your home that new feel and makes the
house attractive. Make sure all the screens in the windows are good, all
cabinets, and doors work as they should. You also should make sure your door
bell works too.
Bake a batch of cookies or a pie. When prospective buyers are walking
around your home and looking around they are looking to see if it feels like
home to them. Bake a batch of cookies before they arrive. The scent of the
cookies will make the home feel warm and welcoming while giving your guests
something to munch on.
Regardless on if you’re looking to sell your home or even looking for a second one I would be honored to help you. Call me, Billi Gartman, at 941-545-8877 with any questions you have. Having me by your side during your home buying and selling process will help you with questions, concerns, and any stress you may have.
