Eight Seconds...

I can't emphasize this enough to sellers....but 8 seconds is about all it takes for potential buyers to form their first impression of your home!!  That being said...what should you do to make those first 8 seconds really count?

1. Dress your home for success from the OUTSIDE in!!  Sometimes I think we get this backwards but tidying the yard, prettying the path to the front door, adding some color splash focal points, new doormats, clean and clear windows, removal of unsightly clutter (including that stinky trash can), and a fresh cut to the lawn will go a LONG way to preparing those buyers to love the inside as well!
2. Crossing that threshold!  If you don't have a key to the front door...MAKE ONE!!  You won't do yourself any favors by making buyers enter through the back door or sneaking through the side garage door. Clean, declutter and depersonalize--EVERY ROOM!  This includes cabinets and storage spaces because, yes, buyers will look...they have stuff to store also and they want to know there's room.  Ultimately you want that buyer to be able to see themselves living in your house!!  Make them feel comfortable...check the temperature and adjust for the seasons.  Check for strong smells...good or bad they may not be well-received.  You are creating the most neutrally pleasing environment you can.  AND LIGHTEN UP!!!  Open curtains, make sure bulbs are replaced...make your home bright, friendly and alive!!
3. Don't take it personal!  I don't know how many times I've heard this and said this!!  It is so true!  Remember you don't live in a house the same way you sell it...NO ONE DOES!!!  So when your Realtor compliments your personal style and your awesome family photo but then asks you to take the pictures down and repaint your daughter's bedroom and the hall bath...DON'T GET OFFENDED!!!  They are only doing what you hired them to do...SELL YOUR HOME!  How do we do that?  Make it as pleasing as possible to as many potential buyers as possible.  Not only do we sell homes for you, we are showing other homes to buyers so we hear first hand ALL the comments!!  That can help you if you will allow it!!