Have You Rung the Doorbell?

Doorbell should be the very first to be 'noticed' after the curb appeal.

As I open the lock box to show the home to my buyers, the first thing I do is ring the doorbell to make sure noone is in the house.

Yes, I do make sure they work! It is important, especially if the home is occupied. The owners need to know if someone is at the door to see the home-Realtors do not always call ahead of time.  Drivebys happen!!!

I am doorknocking for my daughter who is running for office.  I am amazed by the number of doorbells that are not working.

First things first and that is ring the doorbell.  Then on into the home.

I rarely ring the doorbell but most all of my clients do on the way out.  I've never thought about that until now.  Hmmm.

As part of my home inspection, I generally test the door bell.  Surprisingly, about a third do not function.  A door bell is the simplest electrical circuit in the house and there is no excuse for not having it in good repair.

Like you Jo I haven't run into this  before, but will check it out from now on! Glad to hear you're teaching again too! Just finished my class this week.  R U going to LV again??

I feel that is a first impression item.  I think many of the fancy door bell boxes can be programmed to what you want it to play or chime.  But the button definitely needs to be operational, not cracked or damaged.  It may sound so trivial, but it is a great point on your part to make it known to others.

Jo - As stagers, I'm not convinced that checking to see if a doorbell is operational is our concern.  I mean, we're really hired for the visuals.  Yes, if there's an ugly carpet, we need to advise they replace it.  If the doorbell rings with an odd sound, will that make or break the sale?  Is it up to a stager to focus on this as well as all the interior concerns?  I'm not sure. 

I do check the doorbell; it's amazing how many don't work.  If I'm checking the front door for paint and hardware condition, I'm going to ring that bell too.  Some models offer different "songs".  I would use the most non-descript possible.  Julie

No I haven't checked doorbells, but I have mostly done condos so they have more doormen than door bells.

I came across a doorbell that was missing the cover this week, I asked the seller, and he said the battery wasn't working and he needed to replace cover.  Funny, I always knock, never use a doorbell unless no one comes to door after knocking.

That's something I would mention to a seller and put on a "to do" list if I rang it and it didn't work....it is not something I always "test" since there are times I don't need to ring it.

I've never really thought about this. Really, I've usually rung the bell when I arrive. I don't think I've come across one that didn't work LOL.

It's something I've never thought about so thanks for the tip. Personally, I would let the owner know if it wasn't working or and let them handle it. I will pay more attention to it in the future...

A doorbell is tremendously important.  As buyers wait for the agent to open the door, their attention is focused on that area.  A new doorbell plate or trim is an inexpensive fix and re-enforces the impression of a well-cared-for home.  Ringing the bell as you enter is a great idea, especially if your doorbell has an impressive tone rather than a buzzer sound.  

At my own front door, I have taken it further.  I have a front door with a large oval glass design in it.  I cut a wooden oval plate to use as a backer for my decorative doorbell cover.  I also have speakers mounted under the soffit that play music softly all year round - I even change the tunes to suit the season.  You would not believe how many people have come to my front door and commented on how much they enjoy it.  Even my mailman says he enjoys taking a few minutes to sit on the nearby bench and just listen.  

First impressions really do count.