As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. The same holds true when selling your home. While selling a home is mostly a logical decision, buying a home is mostly an emotional one. Of course factors such as price and interest rates will impact a buyer’s decision, but when a buyer walks into your home he/she must be able to connect with it in a very personal way. If this connection is not established, the buyer will be off to the next home; period. This is especially true in today’s market where there is an excess of homes on the market and a shortage of qualified buyers. There is simply no need for today’s buyer to compromise.
Many sellers have difficulty looking at their home through the eyes of a buyer. They may have lived in the home for years and while they are not bothered by that water stain on the ceiling from an old roof leak or that cracked window pane, or that leaky shower head causing mildew in the tiles, such imperfections are likely to turn your buyers away and drive them directly to your competition. Moreover, these imperfections detract from your home’s value. You can be assured that when a buyer walks through your home, he/she is making a mental deduction from your asking price for each of these issues.
When I first list a home for sale, I ask my sellers to get a notebook and pen and walk through every inch of the home with an objective mindset and make a list of things that they would do to improve the home’s appearance to a buyer. All of these things should be addressed prior to showing the home to insure that the best impression is made the first time.
Here are 10 tips to ensure your home makes a great first impression on a buyer and thereby greatly increases your chances of getting the best possible sale price:
1. Make all minor repairs. Ensure minor issues such as leaky faucets are repaired and bathroom tiles freshly grouted. On the outside of the home, insure gutters and drains on both the home and garage are free of debris and repair any cracks in walkways.
2. Address any major repairs. There are four major things that a buyer looks for - the so-called big ticket items in a house: the roof, the heating system, the electrical system and windows. Be sure each of these is in working order. If not, and you don’t have the means to repair/replace these big ticket items, many Real Estate Companies offer a Home Warranty. Ask your local Realtor® about this.
3. A Little Paint Goes a Long Way and Consider Color. If the paint on your walls is old and dingy or especially if it is cracked or peeling get a fresh paint job. While you may love that deep purple wall, many buyers prefer neutral tones such as soft greens or blues or beiges.
4. Clean up. Dust and polish all furniture. Sweep and mop all floors. Clean all windows. Kitchens and Baths always receive a lot of attention from buyers so be sure these rooms sparkle. This is also likely to ensure the home smells fresh and clean. Part 1 of a 3 Part Series.
