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 both emotionally and
visually, thus prompting them to make an offer. In addition, what the buyer
first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.
A bad
first impression can dissuade a potential buyer. 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