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PUT YOURSELF IN BUYER MODE WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME!

By
Real Estate Agent with COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON

When I drive up to a potential listing, I put myself in Buyer modeWhat is buyer mode?  Pretend you're a buyer.  You are in the car, driving to see a potential home and you have a list of what you'd like to find in a home.

As I pull onto the street and pull into the driveway, I begin to take note of the front yard.  Is it well groomed?  Are there weeds that need to be pulled?  As I get out of the car and walk up the steps to the porch, I want to feel a "welcome" to come into the house.  Are there flowers or a wreath at the front door?buyer mode, curb appeal

When I open the door, I look at the entry.  Is it open and free of clutter.  Does the entry lead to the main Living Room space?  Once I enter that space, I look at the walls, the location of the fireplace if there is one, and make note of the color and condition of the walls, floors and windows.

If the home has a formal Dining Room, I hope that it is staged to look like a Dining space.  It can be a negative to buyers to see a table full of papers, used as a desk, or catch all for anything from the living room to the kitchen.

kitchen stagedWhen I walk into the Kitchen I slow down to take in the space.  This is one of the most important rooms in the house for many, so taking the extra time is primary.  What is the layout?  Are you able to move around comfortably as you use the kitchen?  What types of appliances are there?  Does the refrigerator have pictures and drawings that cover it, or is it clean and ready to be shown.  What is the amount of counterspace readily availabale?

I stand in the corners of each room and look out onto the area.  I do this in every room, including bedrooms, bathrooms and living space areas.  I begin to make notes about the items that should be stored or packed away for the move.  As a Seller, it is beneficial when one puts themselves in Buyer mode.  It makes it easier to begin the process of selling. 

Look at the garage with a buyers eyes as well.  It is a place where one stores their cars and extra items, but can also be an indicator of the rest of the house.  Is it in a general state of order?  It doesn't have to be perfectly clean but it is important to buyers to see the garage in good condition.

And last but not least I look at the backyard.  Does it invite me to come out and enjoy it?  Is there a clean patio area to put a table and chairs for entertaining?  I've now completed my tour.  I can assist my sellers with what needs to be done to sell their home quickly, or as sellers, they can see what needs to be done to accomplish their goals.

How about it Sellers?  Have you put yourself in Buyer Mode?

Posted by

bus pic       

Olga Diaz Potter-Managing Broker, CRS®, ASP, e-PRO, SFR, ABR®

Comments (10)

Tania King
CIR REALTY - Calgary, AB

Your absolutely correct!  First impressions will keep a buyer in your home, or sending them running for the hills. Great way to break it down.

Apr 28, 2011 10:59 AM
C. Lloyd McKenzie
Living Albuquerque - Albuquerque, NM
Living Albuquerque

Great job in listing the things you need to check out.. Doing these setting will lead you in making more sales. Goodluck and more success!

Apr 28, 2011 11:20 AM
Susan Brown
Fonville Morisey, a Long and Foster Company - Cary, NC
REALTOR - Cary NC Homes for Sale

Hi Olga--It's so important for sellers to have a fresh set of eyes go through the home. It's very easy for them to overlook things because they've lived with it so long they don't even notice it anymore!  Or not to understand why a dining room should actually BE a dining room, not the playroom or the catch-all space--that's what we're here for and it sounds like you do a very thorough job!

Apr 28, 2011 12:49 PM
Cherise Selley
Selley Group Real Estate, LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realtor

Olga,

It's ironic how many sellers pay more attention to the interior of their residence and absolutely neglect the exterior... g

Apr 29, 2011 04:50 AM
Olga Diaz
COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON - Pullman, WA
Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR

Thanks Tania.  I appreciate your comment.  Have a nice weekend.

Apr 29, 2011 05:16 AM
Olga Diaz
COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON - Pullman, WA
Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR

Lloyd, I appreciate your comment and good wishes.  Same to you!

Apr 29, 2011 05:17 AM
Olga Diaz
COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON - Pullman, WA
Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR

Hi Susan! Thank for your comment.  The dining room can deifinitely become a catch all.  I think it's one that needs to be checked.  Have a great weekend.

Apr 29, 2011 05:18 AM
Olga Diaz
COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON - Pullman, WA
Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR

Cherise, thank you for stopping by.  It's key to have the exterior in order as well.  That first impression can make the difference!

Apr 29, 2011 05:21 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Wouldn't that be the perfect world.  Things would go so smoothly.

May 10, 2011 06:01 PM
Olga Diaz
COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON - Pullman, WA
Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR

Yes they would! Thanks for the comment Jane. Have a nice rest of the day.

May 11, 2011 10:00 AM