e all have had the bright color, seasonal flowers at
experience of someone the entrance. First impressions
important coming to the matter! If a buyer does not like
house, and whether the visitor is what they see from the driveway,
an in-law, old friend, or they may not even want to get out
business associate you know the of the car. Create a welcoming
drill: Have the house in "show" environment.
condition.
2. Paint the front door and
For home sellers the situation is lintels, or at least clean them
much the same: First impressions up. Sweep the front entrance.
count and while you may not be Throw away a worn welcome mat and
able to tell a book by its cover, replace with a new one if
you'll likely pay more for a book possible. Make sure exterior
if the cover is inviting, lights are in working order.
alluring and attractive.
3. Check for leaks. A drip
If your home is for sale or soon may not seem important, but does
to be for sale, in addition to a it suggest poor maintenance in
general cleaning there are 12 places which can't be seen?
steps you can take to benefit Eliminate buyer worries and fix
from that all-important first the little items which may be
look: seen as clues relating to the
general condition of the home.
1. Start with the outside. Eliminate “inspection worries”
Mow the law, prune bushes, remove now by having an inspection early
dead branches and get rid of on.
outdoor furniture you don't
intend to move. You may consider 4. Clean out & organize
placing a few potted plants with closets and storage areas.
De-clutter! Donate old clothes,
books, magazines and furniture to 8. “Appeal to the masses.”
local charities. This will create It’s not often that you find
a sense of greater space, mean another person who enjoys green
less to move, and may provide you walls and a blue carpet. If this
with a tax write off. . describes your home and you want
it sold quicker, then go neutral.
5. Have a professional If you have any brightly colored
service clean your carpets. This walls or carpeting, consider
is especially important if the painting or replacing now.
carpets are to stay. Typically a buyer does not want
to move into a home which needs
6. Caulk around tubs and renovation. Leave no excuse for
sinks. New caulk invariably looks lower offers. White or light tan
better than old caulk, and you'll colors work wonders!
also prevent leaks. Ensure that
all sinks, toilets, and bathtubs 9. Is there anything in the
are clean and tidy. house that will surprise
visitors? As an example, mirrors
7. Replace bulbs that don't in poorly-lit basements can be
work and use as much wattage as dangerous. Ensure that carpets
is appropriate for each fixture. are free of kinks and trip
Bright lights make homes seem, hazards. Look at the property
well, light and airy. Open the from the perspective of a
blinds or curtains to create an first-time visitor. Things which
open and clean feeling, are known to you may be
especially during the day in uncomfortable to visitors.
areas which get a lot of
sunshine. Clean windows if 10. Clean out medicine
necessary. cabinets. Remove out-of-date
items. Also, if you have Fresh baked cookies before an
prescription medicines, consider open house is a please all.
removing them when buyers visit. Smokers: Outside is the place to
be.
11. People have both
allergies and concerns when it 12. Homes in a given location
comes to animals. If you have a and price range battle for a
pet, make arrangements to have it common pool of buyers. Ask your
elsewhere when a home is being broker to examine the property
shown. Be wary of strongly for specific showing tips to make
scented air fresheners which may your home more competitive so
be a nuisance to some. Strive for that it will stand out from the
an odor free, clean smelling others.
home. Think “new car” scent.
Open windows when home to keep Happy showing!
the air smelling fresh. Use light
scents such as vanilla if needed.
About the Author:
Sean Remington is President of Sean Remington & Associates, an Albuquerque, New Mexico realtor. Sean was voted Albuquerque Metropolitan Board of REALTORS(r) "2005 Rookie of the Year." To learn more, point your browser to http://www.nmhomesonline.com.
Read more articles by:
Sean Remington
Article Source: www.iSnare.com 
