Have you heard? Right now in the Greater Birmingham area, it is a great time to Buy A Home - that Dream Home you've always wanted. Have you been thinking about buying a house in the next 4 months so you can take advantage of the great prices AND the tax credit? But, first you have to sell the house you are in?
Yesterday I talked about getting out the yellow pad and taking a walk around the outside of the house to make sure it is in tip top shape. So that it looks good and has some Curb Appeal when the prospective purchaser drives by.
Now let's say the view from the street has piqued their interest and they are ready to make an appointment to see your house. They arrive with their realtor and take a wal
k up that clean, freshly pressured washer sidewalk and approach the front door. Here they will spend 2-5 minutes while the realtor gets the key out of the lockbox, inserts the key and opens the door.
What will your buyer see?
Is the sidewalk level, or cracked or uneven - if someone trips on their way to the front door, does this make a good impression?
Are the steps clean and hazard free? If you have brick steps, is any of the mortar loose or missing? Are any of the bricks loose? Are wooden steps level and secure?
Is the railing loose, rusted or in need of paint?
Is the door freshly painted or stained? Is the kick plate pitted and tarnished?
If there is a storm door, does it close correctly and if you still have burglar bars on the front door is it really necessary (burglar bars make people think there is a crime issue in your neighborhood).
Is the light in good shape (not tarnished) and is it clean - get those bugs out. Does the bulb work? Invest in a new light fixture if yours looks worn out and dated.
Is the door knob in good shape? And for goodess sakes does the key turn easily. You shouldn't have to FIGHT with the door to get inside the house.
Is there any rotten wood on the door frame (if the door is exposed to the elements it takes a beating and the water constantly hitting the doorframe will cause rot). This is a HUGE turnoff and a sign of other maintenance issues to come.
Is the doorbell attached and in good shape (can you believe I showed a house one time and the doorbell was hanging loose off the front of the house).
Are there any cob webs?
Maintenance is key. Also, some flower pots with seasonal live plants (a little harder to maintain in August I know), a clean welcome mat, and/or a wreath make a nice welcoming touch.
Wow, that seems like a lot to cover, but the front door makes a big impression. Think of the front door as you would a hand shake if you were meeting someone for the first time. It sets the tone for what you will see when you step inside. Are you confident that the buyer will like your home? Are you proud to show it off? Or are you looking away and apologizing for being there?????
If you need help getting your home ready to sell, it's helpful to enlist the advice of a tactful, but honest friend. But, a realtor spends their day with buyers and they see what makes or breaks a sale. If you would like some help getting YOUR house ready to sell in Hoover Alabama or the Greater Birmingham area, give me a call.
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