In the past five years, I've shown about 10,000 homes to hundreds and hundreds of prospective buyers. What I have learned from my experience is that the first impression is often the last impression.
Think about it...the average buyer is looking at 5-10 homes in a day. By the third or fourth home, they are tired...overwhelmed...and impatient. IF it is raining or hot or they are dragging little children in and out of the car, they may not even hold out till house # 3 before they begin to ask "How many more homes do we have left to see?" So...your home better get their attention in the first 45 seconds (about the time it takes for me to open the door and let them inside)...or they will likely ask me "What's next?"
Truthfully, you need to make sure that you capture their interest even before they walk inside. While I am opening the door, they are looking around and taking in the condition of the exterior...the landscaping...whether or not the entrance is inviting. A nicely manicured lawn and fresh exterior paint immediately tell the buyer that the home has been lovingly maintained. It sets the bar for what the buyer can expect to find inside.
What will make your home stand out from the last 3, 4, 5...they have seen?
1. Make sure that your home is clean and clutter free. (This is non-negotiable!)
I'm sure that you would not go out on a first date wearing sweat pants and a stained t-shirt. (At least, I hope not!) They may be your most comfortable pieces of clothing, but they are probably not very flattering. Likewise, you may be perfectly comfy in your home when it is messy. However, just as you would want to show off your best self on a first date, you should show your home in its best light.
2. Cover up the signs of age! Okay...I KNOW you ladies would never leave home without make-up. And, you guys primp, too! Even Hollywood stars don't shine quite as bright without a little help from their makeup artist and hair stylist...and airbrush artist. Some fresh paint and new (or professionally cleaned) flooring gives your home a 'move-in' feeling that appeals to busy buyers. Remember...they are looking at the best the market has to offer. Is your home a perfect ten or a perfect mess?
3. Have your home inspected and make the necessary repairs. Unless you are a super duper repair guy (or dating/married to one), you have probably put off some maintenance issues in your home. I've only seen one home make an A+ on the home inspection test (A+ = NO NECESSARY REPAIRS) in the past five years. Most buyers are going to have a home inspection, and the inspector is going to uncover the repairs that are not apparent to the naked eye. YUPPERS...at some point...if the first date goes well...there is going to be another date...and then another. One day, the other person is going to realize all of the flaws you so cleverly disguised on the first date. It is always less expensive and less painful to take care of repairs upfront, before a buyer is involved. My motto is...NO RED FLAGS!!!
4. Get out of the house! If you want the buyer to imagine what it would be like to live in your home, you need to get out of the house. Take a walk...go to the mall...go visit Grandma. I don't care what you do, as long as you do it somewhere else. Give the buyer a little private time to bond with your home. If you stick around, the buyer won't!
I hope this article helps you to look at your home from a potential buyers' perspective. IF you want to know more, just send me an email to Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Also...if you are thinking of placing your home on the market...or are in the market for a new home (anywhere in the country)...I can help you find a great agent!
