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The 5% Home Sellers don't realize!

By
Home Stager with Interior Motiv Home Staging

Buyers will spend about 1 minute at the front door while waiting on the Realtor to unlock it.   This is one reason why "porch" appeal is so important.   

Don't forget these important tips when selling:

  • Clear the cobwebs and dirt
  • Sweep leaves and add life to potted plants (red and yellow are the most appealing in natural plant colors)
  • Entry lights work with no broken glass or broken switches (such as the door bell) or knobs
  • No trash, newspapers or solicitation flyer's piled up
  • New door mat if needed (dark iron always looks great)
  • No squeaky doors (a little W-D 40 goes a long way)

Letting these go unattended tells the buyer you neglected to maintain the home and gives a bad first impression.  Not the image you want to start out with. 

Lastly, do something unique and striking with your "porch" appeal.  New hardware? Unique address numbers?  New chair and table?  It doesn't have to be extravagant, just clean and tidy!   

If you need help, call a professional.  Call Interior Motiv!

David Stewart
On Top of the World Communities, Inc. - Ocala, FL

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. 

Mar 04, 2008 11:51 PM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com
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.
Mar 05, 2008 03:47 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel
Good tips. I always tell sellers that buyers like to drive by homes before making appointment to go and view the interior.
Mar 06, 2008 01:13 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"
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.
Mar 06, 2008 11:18 AM
Joshua Matthews
Keller Williams Metropolitan - Dover, NH
Great post, i think i'll forward this to a few clients so they see it from someone else as well.
Mar 06, 2008 09:31 PM
Cindy Richter
Interior Motiv Home Staging - Flower Mound, TX
IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager

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. 

Mar 07, 2008 07:46 AM
Gary J. Rocks
Juba Team Realty - Jefferson Township, NJ

Cindy

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

Mar 18, 2008 04:05 AM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

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

Mar 19, 2008 01:03 PM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best
Awesome tips!  We must have taken very, very similar classes.
Apr 13, 2008 06:03 PM