Buyers now more than ever prefer move-in ready homes. Today's home buyers may not have the budget to tackle immediate repairs or upgrades, so it makes sense that homes should look move-ready. And buyers will often overestimate the cost of repairs, paint and flooring and will avoid seeing homes that need immediate attention. Making your home show ready doesn't have to cost a fortune. And there are simple fixes that will enhance your home photos and potenitally sell quicker and for more money.
Consider that good lighting also makes for good photography. Every time my photographer arrives at a listing, the first thing he does is turn on every light in the house. He will choose the best time of day to take photos, but nothing showcases a home better than interior lighting. And let’s face it, led light bulbs aren’t as expensive as they used to be and come in a variety of colors.
More than 90% of buyers start searching for homes online. When they see photos like these that are dim and unprofessional, they won't have a positive of the home even though they are only viewing it online. Using professional photography is very important!
When buyers are viewing homes in person, they will be eyeing the front curb appeal as we pull up to a curb of a home for sale. The front yard and sidewalk need to be swept, removing dead plants, dusting off the mailbox, and make sure we can read the house number. Whether your house number is at the curb, on the house or on the mailbox, make sure it's clearly visible. Not every home has a for sale sign that is actively listed on the MLS, so making sure your home can be found is important!
Prior to a buyer walking into a home, they are doing what I call the “windshield wiper exercise.” It sounds funny, but the first impression a buyer has while we realtors are opening lockboxes is vitally important. They will turn in every direction while we're fiddling with keys to see as much as they can while they wait for us to open the front door. They are looking from side to side to see if the home Is painted. Is the front door in good shape? Is the doorknob clean and not tarnished.
Front windows like these should be clean and in good repair. Notice the chipped paint and the window screen is in a state of disrepair.
Delays in opening up a front door while a buyer waits in the summer heat, are not good. Does the key to the front door work? It is great when there is one key for every lock, deadbolt, and security door on the front door, not three. While you’re at it, make sure that one key works on every exterior lock. This makes our job easier and heck, it’s convenient for you while you are still in a home.
After we’ve entered a home, that first impression also includes odors. Do yourself a favor. Walk outside of your home and stand there for 5 minutes and re-enter. Is there an odor? Chances are the buyer will as well and will tell me what they think of that odor. Some of the questions I ask a potential home buyer include allergies and specifically to pets. If they are allergic and your realtor says there are no pets, but the buyer thinks we smell pets, it takes 5 seconds for a buyer to stop, turn around, and leave. So, make sure your home and windows are clean to eliminate any odors prior to listing your home for sale.
If your home has vivid colors, consider painting the interior one neutral color. Cream walls with white baseboards, doors and ceilings are the best colors for photos as well. When buyers see homes online, they choose homes that have great photos with neutral interiors. Visualizing themselves in your home can be accomplished with fewer distractions. Vivid colors are a distraction.
And why wait till you're ready to sell your home? These simple fixes are a great way to freshen your home without spending a lot. So if you aren't ready to sell, accomplish these tasks and enjoy your home now!
And if you're ready to sell your home, use a professional with a great track record of selling homes and many years of experience to help you sell faster and for more money!
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