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Yes, that really is what others see.

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services 607851
02202025.jpg

I'm afraid Joe did a better job than I probably would have. Joe's painting reminds me of the reaction I have when I look in the mirror, like Titus said "What"? What happened to me? I swear I'm younger and better looking then THAT guy!

This is a reality that home Sellers need to get a grip on. Their home does not look like it did when they purchased it 20 years ago unless they have been diligent in maintaining it and updating it.

The Website, Homeinspectionhelp.com has a lot of helpful information waiting for you. Clip on the picture above to get there.

If you want your home to sell at the best possible price then make it look new again. Do NOT offer allowances as most people do NOT have the imagination to see it differently than the first time they saw it. Buy new carpet, paint the walls, upgrade the appliances and if necessary hire a landscaper when needed.

You can not undo a first impression and it's that first impression they will set the value of their home. Make that first impression worth the price you have set on your home.

Posted by

Do you enjoy the cartoons written by my son (Timmothy N. Timm) which I use as a springboard to write my daily posts? His strip, Titus & Philemon, has run in two newspapers for years as well as being printed in my blog every day. Titus & Philemon (pronounced Phi - Lee -Man) are guinea pigs. Their owner is Joe. Timmothy has never repeated a joke/comic strip in the 12 years he has been writing it. He has never copied another strip, such as Peanuts or Garfield. You can follow Timmothy on FB as Titus & Philemon and you can also check him out on Instagram as Instagram.com/titus and philemon/ .

Show All Comments Sort:
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Bob "RealMan" Timm  There are good ideas here. Paint and uncluttering with a realistic price 

Feb 20, 2025 09:24 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Hannah Williams . It's easy to understand the mentality of those who don't want to spend the money to fix-up a property to sell but they need to know it's an investment worth making.

Feb 21, 2025 07:34 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Good Afternoon Bob "RealMan" Timm

My first thought was the same as you...lol. That dastardly mirror.

Thank you for the link you provided.

Feb 20, 2025 09:43 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Doug Dawes there are days when I look in the mirror and I thank God but most often I say "I'm going to be late for work trying to fix THIS". 😑

Feb 21, 2025 07:36 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Im all over paint and decluttering. Thank you for sharing the information. Buyers and sellers in your area will benefit from your expertise. Wishing you continued success.

Have a wonderful day and sell a house. bill

Feb 20, 2025 10:06 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Bill Salvatore - East Valley when I list my house it may take a year of decluttering before I can put it on the market. 😉

Feb 21, 2025 07:37 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

The damn mirror can be devastating!  I find myself avoiding direct contact with them from time to time.  lol   And just as devastating, or positive, is a first impression.  It is our choice as to which way the needle sways on that one.  m

Feb 20, 2025 11:19 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Well said Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho . When I look in the mirror during the winter I say I can't wait for spring when I shave my head again. No beard, no ring of hair, much easier upkeep. 🙄

Feb 21, 2025 07:41 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing these insightful thoughts, Bob "RealMan" Timm! I really appreciate your candid take on the importance of first impressions in real estate—it's a great reminder that a little investment can go a long way in making a home shine!

Feb 20, 2025 12:57 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Spending some money for something you want to "go away" is hard for many people Lew Corcoran BUT that thing will go away much faster if you do. 😃

Feb 21, 2025 07:42 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Homeowners can get blinded when it comes time to sell. Their lenses need adjusting.

Feb 20, 2025 04:30 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Amen Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 . Spending that money will have it's returns in the end.

Feb 21, 2025 07:44 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

I like it Bob. First impressions are what sets the home value. Jeff

Feb 20, 2025 04:46 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Sells or kills the sale Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI . I have had Sellers that were so think I had to tell them more that once to remove the dog poop every day to make the best impression. 😒

Feb 21, 2025 07:46 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Bob- in the way-back machine, sellers offered allowances for paint or flooring. That no longer works. Many want a home that's move-in ready or they don't want to have to deal with it. 

Feb 20, 2025 06:19 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I don't remember when it ever worked in our market Kathy Streib but many Sellers still insisted on it. 😛

Feb 21, 2025 07:48 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

First impressions of a home are really so important.

PS - Joe's drawing was probably realistic!

Feb 21, 2025 04:50 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thanks Kat Palmiotti . A potential Buyer can never unsee what initially turned them off. Getting them back in the house is usually an impossibility. 🤨

Feb 21, 2025 07:50 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Haha, it appears that he left his hair out of the picture but maybe I am not seeing the right thing.

Feb 21, 2025 06:00 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

The hair shows how startled Titus was at seeing Joe's painting Brian England . I compare the painting to what I see in the mirror, an old man who thinks he is still in his 20's.

Feb 21, 2025 07:52 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

As with many aspects of life, Bob... in real estate as well you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Feb 23, 2025 06:31 AM
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