Make each and every showing count
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I think it's important for every Colorado Springs Realtor who lists houses for sale to occasionally spend some time as a Buyer's Agent and to see a property from the eyes of a potential buyer.
Since I've been showing houses to potential buyers the last couple of days, it's made me thing of think of some important things for home sellers to remember:
- Don't forget the importance of smells. Both pleasant and unpleasant. A musty moldy smell in your basement can make a buyer not want your home. Same thing with animal smells. Many potential buyers are very sensitive to smells and an unpleasant smell can make them want to leave quickly. And the flip side is also true, a pleasant inviting smell can make buyers feel more welcome in your home.
- Be careful using too much air freshener, scented candles, and incense. Smells are very subjective, what one person likes is very different from person to person. But how can you go wrong with the smell of fresh baked cookies or fresh bread that has just came out of the oven?
- Curb appeal is everything. Buyers can fall in love with a house before they even get out of the car. A manicured lawn, well-kept exterior starts to set the expectations for the inside of the house An inviting porch with flowers and some comfy chairs makes a buyer feel welcome. Tiredness is important. Buyers will automatically think that a well kept exterior means a well-kept interior. There are many times I've pulled up in front of a house and the buyer will make a comment to me that they don't like how the house looks and they aren't even sure if they want to see the inside.
- Set the mood on the inside. Turn the lights on in bedrooms and closets, don't leave it dark inside. Most everyone likes light coming in the windows; and buyers don't like dark houses.
- If possible, turn on some nice soft music.
- Open doors to rooms and closets, make each room feel inviting and welcoming.
- Point out unique features of the home. If the house has unique feature that aren't obvious, make sure they are pointed out. A small placard on a wall can do the trick and help point out a security system, built in ceiling speakers, hidden cabinets, extra storage. Also, make sure a feature sheet is included inside the house, in a conspicuous easy to see place. If the house is on acreage, include a layout of the lot. If it's a newer house, you could also leave out a small copy of the house plans. The more visuals the better. If there have been additions made to the house or if it's a newer house, leave out copies of the building plans.
Many Realtors also include a home book in the house, that can include all types of info about the neighborhood, the school; and the demographics of the city. If the house is extremely energy efficient, make up a summary of the recent utility bills.
Remember, make each and every showing count.
Kathy Torline, Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, An Expert You Can Trust 719-2887-1049 KTorline@msn.com
Selling Real Estate in the Colorado Springs area, including Monument, Fountain, Larkspur, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake
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