Anyone who is trying to sell their home and are trying to do it for top dollar need to do few things before a buyer even steps foot into your house. I will give you a couple of pointers that will give a buyer the first impression all sellers need to strive for, assuming this house has been cared for and has been well maintained. I am not talking about a complete kitchen remodel or putting a rock waterfall pool in the backyard, just some simple things to keep in mind ten minutes before a buyer views your property.
- Keeping your front yard looking fresh with blooming flowers
(impatiens are nice and inexpensive),
leaves swept, weeds removed from the planters, cars not piled in the driveway - De-clutter your home. I do not mean you have to rent a U-Haul and take everything out of the house besides a couch and a couple of chairs, but storing the majority of family photos on tables/mantels/walls is a good start. Picking up the kids toys that are scattered throughout the house, tossing the dirty dishes into the dishwasher, open the windows to get some fresh air or light a candle, and make the beds, all will give the important impression that this house has been loved by the seller.
- If it is cold outside, turn on the heater, if it is hot outside, turn on the air conditioner. Making the house feel comfortable will allow the buyer to feel comfortable viewing your home.
- Take a walk with the family five minutes before the buyer arrives at your house. This will allow the buyer and their agent the ability to talk freely amongst themselves without fear of being overheard by you. If you have a dog, take them on the walk with you, or simply put the dog in a place where the buyers can view the backyard without fear of being bit, even if Charlie is nice.
- Have a sign at the front door for buyer and their Realtor to kindly remove their shoes before entering. Even if you wear your shoes in the house it is important to give them the impression that you take every step necessary to keep a clean and orderly house.
- Keep all the business cards that Realtors leave behind after viewing your home near the front door
nearly scattered on a table or someplace visible. Every time a buyer walks into the house they will see that this property has been viewed multiple times creating the impression that they should act fast if they are to have a chance at purchasing this property.
By taking a few minutes before a buyer arrives for an appointment at your house follow some of the ideas above so that your home will be shown in its best light, even if that is not how your house is kept all the time. Having a buyer leave your home with the impression that this house has been cared for 24 hours a day will ultimately pay dividends to you.
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