When I drive up to a potential listing, I put myself in Buyer mode. What 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?
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.
When 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?
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