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First Impressions
Twenty great tips on creating an atmosphere that will charm buyers and make them want to buy your home.
Remember, you'll never get another chance to make a good First Impression, and first impressions are what counts! Follow these simple tips and create the competitive edge that may help sell your home more quickly.
1. First Impressions are Lasting.
The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh and clean looking. That goes for screen and storm doors, too. Keep the lawn trimmed, weeded, edged, and the yard free of debris. Walks, steps and driveways should be smooth and clear of all debris (including snow or ice).
2. Decorate for a Quick Sale.
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating? You needn't spend many thousands of dollars; ask me how to accomplish this. A quicker sale at a higher price will result.
3. Let the Sun Shine in.
Open draperies and curtains. Let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal)
4. Fix the Faucet!
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
5. Repairs can make a Big Difference.
Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed!
6. From Top to Bottom.
Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull spaces by painting walls.
7. Safety First.
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
8. Make closets Look Bigger.
Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample. If necessary, remove 30% of the contents to make the space look larger.
9. Bathrooms Help Sell Homes.
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!
10. A word to the Wise.
Don't oversell. Your house will sell itself if it's what the buyer is looking for.
11. Remember the Golden Rule.
Treat your prospective buyer the way you would want to be treated if you were in their home. You will never go wrong.
12. Arrange Bedrooms Neatly.
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
13. Can You See the Light?
Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.
14. Three's a crowd.
Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
15. Music is Mellow.
Turn off the television and have only soft music playing on the radio or stereo.
16. Pets Underfoot?
Keep them out of the way, preferably out of the house.
17. Silence is Golden.
Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. He/she wants to inspect your house, not pay a social call.
18. Be It Ever So Humble.
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections.
19. In the Background.
The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. Just make sure you can be called if needed.
20. Why Put the Cart Before the Horse?
Trying to dispose of, or sell, your furniture to the potential buyer before he/she has purchased the house often loses a great sale. Wait until any inspection contingencies have been agreed upon. |
