Home > Blogs > Jo Potvin > Home Staging Cincinnati-Design To Market LLC: Jo Potvin 513-265-0952

Have You Rung the Doorbell?

By Jo Potvin

Home Stager with Design To Market LLC

October 08, 2010 05:49 PM

I can't believe that I haven't thought about this before, but I was teaching a staging class this week and a Realtor in the class asked if we had suggestions for doorbells! Her concern was that:

They might not work
They might make some ridiculous noise or play a song

We have been staging Cincinnati homes for over 7 years and I have to admit that the only doorbell comments I have made are when they are cracked or the button itself is damaged.

I am not posting this because I have lost sleep over doorbells but rather it made me think of the possibility that we are missing other seemingly insignificant "under the radar" issues in homes.

Please share!

Jo Potvin Design To Market Home Staging 513-265-0952 www.designtomarketllc.com

Re-Blog

Comments(18)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Praful Thakkar

LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA

Metro Boston Homes For Sale

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.

Oct 08, 2010 06:19 PM

Cathy Lee

CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA

ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

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!!!

Maureen Fukumoto

Help-U-Sell Realty Pro - Mililani, HI

Maureen

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

Oct 08, 2010 06:33 PM

Tim Lorenz

TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA

949 874-2247

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

Oct 08, 2010 07:10 PM

Gayla Worrell

Windermere Real Estate/Everett, Inc. - Everett, WA

Real Estate Webworks

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.

Oct 08, 2010 08:07 PM

Glen Fisher

National Property Inspections of Southern New Jersey, LLC - Oaklyn, NJ

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.

Oct 08, 2010 10:09 PM

Karen Otto

Home Star Staging - Plano, TX

Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

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??

Oct 09, 2010 02:05 AM

Don Spera

CR Property Group, LLC - East York, PA

Serving York and Adams County, PA

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.

Oct 09, 2010 02:31 AM

Sally Weatherley

EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Home Staging, Home Stager Vancouver, B.C

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.

Oct 09, 2010 03:50 AM

Julia Maher

Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT

Connecticut Home Stager

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

Oct 09, 2010 04:44 AM

Tori Toth

Tori Toth, International - Howard Beach, NY

888.667.6643 NYC & Beyond, HSR, SAR, RESA, LIBOR

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

Oct 09, 2010 12:22 PM

Cindy Bryant

Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX

"Houston Home Staging Pros"

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.

Oct 09, 2010 04:47 PM

Kathy Burke

Sensational Home Staging~~Danville, CA - Danville, CA

S.F. East Bay Home Staging

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.

Oct 10, 2010 03:12 AM

Janice Ankrett

Burlington, ON

Staging Professional

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.

Oct 10, 2010 12:00 PM

Kristine Ginsberg

Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ

NJ Home Stager

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...

Oct 13, 2010 04:11 AM

Lorri Baranyai

Spot On Staging & Design - Port Coquitlam, BC

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.

Mar 19, 2011 07:46 AM

Have You Rung the Doorbell?

Comments(18)

Jo Potvin

Real Estate Resources

Additional Information