Making a Good First Impression
If you want
buyers to be interested in your home, you
need to show it in its best light. A good
first impression can influence a buyer into
making an offer; it influences a buyer
emotionally and visually. In addition, what
the buyer first sees is what they think of
when they consider the asking price.
A bad first impression weighs in as deeply.
Don't show your property until it's all
fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the
chance to use the negative first impression
they have as means of negotiation.
Ask around for the opinions others have of
your home. Real estate agents who see houses
everyday can give solid advice on what needs
to be done. Consider what architects or
landscape designers have to say. What you
need are objective opinions, and it's
sometimes hard to separate the personal and
emotional ties you have for the home from
the property itself.
Typically, there are some general fix ups
that need to be done both outside and on the
inside. As a seller, you should consider the
following:
*Landscaping - Has the front yard been
maintained? Are areas of the house visible
to the street in good condition?
*Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your
driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash
etc.?
*Painting - Does both the exterior and the
interior look like they have been well taken
care of?
*Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Or
does the carpet look old and dirty?
