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FIRST IMPRESSIONS HOME SELLING GUIDEIt is often said that within a minute a buyer has already formed an opinion of your home. The following checklist and summaries can assist you in insuring that this first impression is as favorable as possible. The first thing a prospective buyer sees is your property’s visual landscape. This is referred to as curb appeal. ________ Is the lawn neatly maintained? ________ Have the shrubs been trimmed recently? ________ Are the sidewalks and driveway edged? ________ Are all toys, bikes, tools, hoses, etc. picked up and stored neatly? ________ Is the patio, driveway and walkways clean of all debris? ________ Is the garbage can area clean? ________ Is the mailbox area fresh and sturdy? ________ Have I planted flowers, added window boxes or set out potted plants in efforts to brighten up the home? ________ Have I weeded and refreshed natural areas and flower beds? Next, the exterior of your home comes into view with the front door being the focal point. Other important aspects include the windows, roof, gutters, fence and driveway. A paint job can also be money well spent in showcasing your property. ________ Does the front door area need to be painted or cleaned? ________ Does the door hardware, kick plates or outside numbers need replacing? ________ Does the exterior paint need to be refreshed or pressure washed? ________ Do any window screens need to be repaired or replaced? ________ Are any windows broken? ________ Are all windows sparkling clean? ________ Are any roofing shingles missing that need to be replaced? ________ Has the chimney been cleaned? ________ Do the gutters need to be cleaned or replaced? ________ Is the fence missing any boards? ________ Is the fence gate closed and in neat order? We’re inside now where there is a lot going on. The lighting, sound, color and smells begin to take over. These items can often be overlooked when showing your home, yet are very important. ________ Do any light bulbs, both inside and outside, need to be replaced? ________ Are lights on in the house so it will appear bright and cheerful? ________ Have we used neutral colors to repaint the interior? ________ Are bright colors limited to fresh flowers, towels, area rugs and curtains? ________ Are television, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, washer/dryer, lawn mower, etc. turned off? ________ Is soft music playing in the background? ________ Does the house smell pleasant from fresh flowers, potpourri or air freshener? ________ Has furniture been polished with lemon scented furniture polish? ________ Is the home free of tobacco odors? ________ Have all litter boxes and other pet items been removed to avoid pet odors? The entry creates the first impression of the house interior and can say a lot for such a small area. The kitchen is possibly the most important room in the house and has a major impact on the value of your home. The bathroom, living room, bedrooms, etc. are also major selling points of your home. Buyers look for elegant, impressive and cozy living spaces. ________ Is my kitchen area free from clutter? ________ Does my kitchen area smell fresh? ________ Have all trashcans been emptied? ________ Is the kitchen organized to accentuate storage space? ________ Are ovens, stoves and surface areas clean? ________ Are all floors vacuumed, swept or waxed? ________ Do carpets need to be cleaned? ________ Is fireplace clean of ashes or debris? ________ Are all steps clear of hazards? ________ Have all furnace filters been recently replaced? ________ Are all heating/cooling vents free of dust and dirt? ________ Are all ceiling fans and ceiling fan blades free of dust? ________ Has the bathroom, including toilets, bathtubs, sinks and showers been cleaned? ________ Are all faucets shut off completely? ________ Does anything need caulking? ________ Have vanities, mirrors and shower doors been cleaned? ________ Are all personal care items out of sight? ________ Are all closets & storage areas free of clutter to accentuate spacious storage areas? ________ Are there any water stains in the ceiling that need to be painted? The basement, garage and attic are the final areas to be addressed. ________ Are they well organized and neatly arranged? ________ Are they bright and well lit? ________ Are they clean and well kept? ________ Are the stairs in good repair? ________ Do all doors open and close easily? ________ Are there any signs of insects or water? These last paragraphs focus on some important intangible items. If possible, confine all pets and limit noise to a minimum. Remember, our job is to show your property and field all questions. Too much conversation diverts the buyers’ attention and limits buyers’ ability to visualize themselves as the property’s owner. It is also a good practice to safeguard all valuables, including checkbooks and jewelry. In conclusion, by showing attention to detail you will increase the sale ability of your house, assisting us in achieving the best price obtainable in the shortest period of time. The suggestions offered above are drawn from many years of experience in selling homes just like yours. We look forward to the opportunity of working with you in the sale of your home. HOME PAGE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS RESIDENTIAL RENTALS FORECLOSURE LISTINGS |
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