When you are listing your Central Maryland home you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Heed these great tips on what you need to pay attention to when you invite buyers to your doorstep.

Via Chris Twing (Twing Staging & Redesign):

Everyone knows first impressions mean a lot. When it comes to selling your home the first thing potential buyers see is the front of your house. For some this begins at the curb and for others it's the front door. For this reason it is incredibly important to remember these areas when getting your house ready to sell.

In fact having a terrific entry is so important Anita Cooper of Realty Biz News recently listed replacing the front entry door as one of the top three home improvement projects which "mostly pay for themselves."

2 Reasons the front door is so important when selling your home.

  1. Most home owners begin their search either by looking online themselves or reviewing listings online sent to them by their realtors. The thumbnail accompanying the listing is generally a shot of the front of the house with the focal point of the photo being the front door. If potential buyers are not impressed with this first photo they often won't bother to look at the home any further.
  2. Potential buyers spend a good amount of time at the front door waiting for their realtor to open the lock box and unlock the door. This gives them ample time to notice even small things, such as peeling paint, a broken door bell or the worn finish of the door hardware. This was just the case with a home I recently staged in Leander, Texas. Take a look.

Front-Door-Before-Collage

When potential buyers see neglected repairs such as a broken door bell or peeling paint they start wondering what else needs repaired. Even minor things such as these will have the buyer keeping a mental tally of how much less they plan to offer.

While replacing a front door may be the optimal solution it often doesn't fit into the budget. But there are plenty of other ways to add appeal to your entry.

How to stage your front door.

  • Repaint. Paint is a home sellers best friend. It is inexpensive, DIY friendly and makes a huge difference.
  • Add a potted plant or flowers.
  • Change the door hardware.
  • Put out a new welcome mat.

See what a difference these simple changes made to this front door.

Front-Door-After

First a complimentary shade of green paint was applied to the door along with a vining plant attached to a topiary trellace. Then door hardware was replaced with a new set in an oil rubbed bronze finish. Last a door mat was added.

Now that the home has a welcoming entry buyers will be imagining themselves welcoming their guests through the door. This is exactly what home staging is designed to do. Make potential buyers begin to see themselves living in your house. This helps them form an emotional attachment to the house and emotions equal offers.

 

Ellie McIntire Real Estate

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1 Comments on Home Staging, how a front door can sell your house.

JAN
25
2012
757,889 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Ellie ....nice re-post!  The front door is so important and few take the time to make it a vocal point!

Have a great day!

6:54am • #1

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Ellie McIntire, CDPE Howard County Homes for Sale

Ellicott City, MD

More about me…

Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate

Address: Ellicott City,Columbia,Woodstock,Woodbine,Catonsville, , Clarksville, Cooksville, Elkridge,Lisbon,Marriotsville,Eldersburg,Oella,Sykesville,, Ellicott City, MD, 21042

Office Phone: (443) 766-1768

Cell Phone: (443) 418-7668

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I am a Maryland transplant from many other places, most recently Florida, but since 1997 I have found my true home in the heart of this great State. Maryland has it all. Mountains 3 hours to the West, the Atlantic Ocean 3 hours to the East and head North and South for either Philadelphia and New York or Washington DC. It is the perfect location! The Metro Baltimore area offers a rich mix of history and modern amenities. City living, suburbia or "not a neighbor in sight" is available in this area. Excellent Schools, amazing communities and an incredible location is why many people choose to live in Central Maryland. I proudly help my clients buy and sell all types of homes in Howard County and beyond. Enjoying the entire process is my goal for my clients. Every transaction is different and everyone has different needs. I know the Metro Baltimore area well and I am current on the Real Estate Market activity- That's my job. As your "Buyers Agent" I will work diligently to find you the home that suits all your needs. I will update you immediately when a home matches your search criteria. I will educate you on the current market and help you craft the best offer possible. I will "hold your hand" throughout the entire process. As your "Listing Agent" I will coach and guide you from day one to put your best foot forward when you list your home. I will use aggressive and innovative marketing strategies to give your home the best exposure possible. I will use modern technology and multiple resources that other agents do not use. I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH PROOF OF ALL MY EFFORTS. I am a full time agent and I my number one goal is to give you exceptional service ALWAYS.


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