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First 10 things you notice about a house

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Kristen Correa Real Estate & Reedy Creek Realty Services 0514644

Today a morning DJ brought up the first things a man notices about a woman when he first sees her... about 5 seconds he's got the smile (top of the list, was a little shocked and thought LIAR, but ok...) the hair, manicured or not, size, and all the typical other things.... same conversation today with another agent about a house... It only takes SECONDS as you pull up whether a buyer client is thinking cold or hot! Can you believe that? Seconds and the book is judged. It's important to leave NOTHING to the imagination when it comes to houses!

What are the top 10 things I find buyers note right away?

Smile... just kidding. But if I see the smile spread across the face of the buyer when we pull up, I know they are noting a lot of things all at once that make them say yes or no. So on to the list of what contributes to that smile in the first, oh, 5 seconds?!?

1. Lawn -- manicured to the weeds out of the cracks of the sidewalk!

2. Trees -- grown and trimmed! Trim 'em up so we can see the house! Cut the low lying branches!

3. Hedges -- full and trimmed! If they are aged and raggedy, replace 'em!

4. Flowers -- give us some color! No matter what the season or weather, you can work in some color!

5. House construction -- fix cracked bricks or mortar, paint!

6. Windows -- replace foggy one's, clean the windows and screens!

7. Front entrance -- get it completely clean, front door clean, add a fresh wreath or decoration and get something flowering!

OK, my top 10 turned to 7 because it's time for baseball practice, but the point is details are incredibly important and you only have a few seconds to make the smile come over their face and MAKE THEM say this is IT!

Posted by

Kristen Correa Real Estate

Susan Morrison
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Franklin, MA

the first things buyes notice would be pertaining to curb appeal on the approach to the home.

Sep 21, 2010 11:25 AM
Kellie Morrissey
Keller Williams Realty Success LLC - Littleton, CO
CO Realtor CRS, GRI, CDPE

GREAT BLOG!  I liked the points you made about the industry... I can tell you did your research.  If I come in contact with someone looking in your area I'll be sure to send them your way.
Kellie Morrissey
kellie@citymtns.com
1-800-931-9947
Your Summit County Colorado Realtor
Find Your Colorado Dream Home Today

Sep 21, 2010 11:26 AM
Maureen Fukumoto
Help-U-Sell Realty Pro - Mililani, HI
Maureen

The exterior is fnot only the first but the last thing a buyer sees. They may forget the poor exterior while they are in the house but that last look as they drive away is how the home will be remembered.

Sep 21, 2010 11:51 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

I've had buyers over the years - say - nope no need to go in - the outside is just not kept up.  So so so important to make the best possible first impression! 

Sep 21, 2010 12:12 PM
Larry Bergstrom
Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA. - Spanaway, WA
CNE, CRS, GRI

The other 3 to your top 10 are probably curb appeal, curb appeal, curb appeal.

Sep 21, 2010 01:14 PM
Kristen Correa, Broker
Kristen Correa Real Estate & Reedy Creek Realty Services - Keller, TX
I love coffee & real estate. I am out of coffee!

Thanks for your comments.

Larry, you are right. Love it Love it Love it!

Anna, me, too!

Maureen, they get that overall "this is home or not" thing going on and you can't really change it.

Kellie, thanks! That's sweet.

Susan. Correct. I'm just sometimes still shocked some need a detailed list... but it's all curb appeal. You're right.

Sep 21, 2010 04:42 PM