Archive for the ‘Seller’ Category

Curb Appeal is the First Impression

The first impression whether you are buying or selling is very important.  Just like with friendships, the first impression will hold sway over other opinions and critiques made, so make it a good one.

Curb Appeal Affects Buyers

You want your potential buyers to take notice of your home from the instant they pull up.  If it looks uncared for or cookie cutter like every other house in the neighborhood, they may just continue driving.

There are a few things you can do to the home’s exterior to increase curb appeal:

1. Check the trim and make sure it is in good repair.  This includes the shutters, window sills, fascia and soffit under the roof overhang.
2. Make sure the gutters are cleaned out and draining away from the house.
3. Inspect and repair any wood rot that the home inspector will pick up on.
4. Fencing should be secure and in good condition.
5. Touch up any exterior paint, doors, window trim, etc.
6. Store Trash container and debris out of sight of the roadside.
7. Make sure the yard looks well cared for, the grass is cut, if you have pets make sure the waste is cleaned up and prune any shrubberies.

These are just a few things that can help your prospective buyers take a second look at your home.

Enjoy your day and come back often to see my other posts and search for your new home or do some research on selling yours.

The importance of staging your home will be shown to you by an experienced real estate agent. There are many things you can do, but each home is unique and has some properties that are better highlighted while others are not made a priority for the potential buyers to experience. You and your agent will assess your home and decide what are the important things to draw attention to your potential buyers. An experienced agent may already have several buyers they are thinking may be interested in your home and will know what their triggers are and be prepared for it.

The suggestions may range from replacing bold colors to more neutral tones or removing old wallpaper and painting the room to make it look spacious and elegant. Speaking of spacious, if a room seems a little too narrow, hanging a mirror in just the right place can make the room seem a little larger than it actually is.

The kitchen is usually very important to buyers. The appliances may need to either be updated or at least look newer. The cabinets may also need to be cleaned up. New hardware on the doors of the cabinets may also be a huge selling point.

If your closets are small, remove half the contents and put like colors together to make them look larger and roomier than they are. Add some shelves if possible to make it look more organized.

Have the carpets cleaned and deodorized to make the room seem fresh. There is nothing worse than having a seller walk into a stale smelling room. Fresh flowers can also help this and they are also very beautiful to look at.

Bathrooms must also be very clean and luxurious. The tub must be inviting, the sink must also sparkle and the toilet should be clean the top should be down.

There are many other suggestions that can be made. If you want more information about your home, contact me and I will be glad to help you.

A seller should never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression on a potential buyer. Here are a few simple tips that can help increase your home’s appeal and value:

An Appealing Exterior:

* Keep the front walkway swept
* Remove newspapers, bikes and toys from the front walk or yard
* Park extra cars away from the property
* Trim back the shrubs
* Apply a fresh coat of exterior paint if necessary
* Clean windows and window coverings
* Keep plumbing and all appliances in working order
* Maintain all sealants (sink, tub, window, shower, etc.) in good condition
* Make sure roof and gutters are in good condition
* Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers, hire a professional landscaping company if necessary

A Clean and Inviting Interior:

* Keep the kitchen and bathrooms spotless
* Vacuum carpets and keep floor surfaces clean
* Accent living and dining rooms with freshly cut flowers
* Put dishes and laundry away
* Make beds
* Open drapes and turn on lights to enhance the atmosphere
* Keep closets neat
* Put toys away
* Switch off the television
* Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free
* Make safe jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables

Avoid clutter to enhance the spaciousness of your home

Generally speaking, potential buyers usually feel more comfortable when owners are not present. If an interested party is unaccompanied by an agent and request to see your property, please refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment. If you are leaving town, even for a weekend, remember to leave the number where you can be reached so that offers can be made promptly.