Who hasn't heard that old saying: "You only get one chance to make a great first impression." Sure, it's a cliché, but that's because there's a lot of truth in it. As if to prove the point, not long ago The Codgers held a Carnival here on Active Rain to find homes with great (or not so great) curb appeal.
If you have clients getting ready to sell, here are some suggestions to improve their chances of making that great first impression with buyers.
Have them walk across the street and take a look at the exterior of their home, the way a buyer might see it. Start with the yard. Is it in order, and neatly trimmed? Is the yard completely free of trash, toys, or discarded items?
Next, have them check the windows. Are all screens or storm windows in place? Is there any broken glass that need replacing? Are they sparkling clean?
Then on to the exterior of the house itself. Is the exterior in good repair? Are gutters and downspouts in good shape? Does the outside need painting or cleaning?
You get the idea. Make them look at their house the way the buyer would, and become their own worst critic. Have them try to find all the visible faults their home currently exhibits – then get them corrected! This is where their professional Realtor® can help with suggestions and an unbiased opinion. And by all means, make sure they do this before they offer the house "For Sale." Making apologies after the fact does nothing to improve that first impression.
Did you know that many buyers will make the decision to step inside of a home based on a ten-second appraisal of the outside as they drive by? It's true! When that happens, the house either scores high or low on the buyer's scorecard. And of course low scores invite low offers.
Sellers need to take the time to give their home an exterior inspection, listen to their agent's suggestions, then do whatever it takes to improve their curb appeal. Investing in that first impression can result in more showings and better offers.
Regards,
Jay Burnham, VP
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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