Good point. I would say the majority of home sellers never think of cleaning their porch and exterior entry area, and it is appalling the way most look. Most people in suburban areas rarely if ever enter through their own front doors; they come in from an attached garage or side door from the back yard garage, so they almost never see the front door and porch from the outside in.

And what's with most agents? Most, yes, most don't even think to advise the clients on this. 

Here's something odd. Three of the last six houses I saw had standing water near the porch. I'm not talking wet spots... these were puddles. My buyers started speculating about cracked foundations and mold and scorpions and all sorts of things.

Good tips. I always tell sellers that buyers like to drive by homes before making appointment to go and view the interior.

I know when I was looking for a house, the front door was a big first impression, It was either like hurry up and open the door or this house is probably yuk inside.

Great post, i think i'll forward this to a few clients so they see it from someone else as well.

I can remember when I have shown a buyer a home.  On our way to the door they have been so disgusted that they no longer wanted to see the home.  First impressions have to be great when it come to a emotional purchase.

I have seen some doozies!  And most people don't realize that first impressions start at the curb not the foyer.  Thank you all for the comments. 

Cindy

This is good useful information and is often over looked. Thanks for sharing!

Good post about important things.  The entry is so important as a first impression of a home.

Awesome tips!  We must have taken very, very similar classes.