first impressions always count!
First impressions are important, especially when you're marketing your home. You need to look at your home from a different perspective. Take the time to go through your home as if you were the buyer.
The first job of a realtor, acting as a listing agent, is to be honest with the client. This may be an uncomfortable process for both of you but an invaluable process if done with candor. Shed your sensitivities and let your realtor do a thorough job from the start.
Begin by evaluating the curb appeal of your home. Start at the driveway and note every detail from the cleanliness of the driveway to the condition of the landscaping. Ask questions such as; does your home need power washing, paint or the windows cleaned? Is the front door fresh and clean? Walk around and make a list of everything that needs to be taken care of.
Once inside your home you'll want to look at everything. Scrutinize the flooring and walls for a start. Does the carpet need to be cleaned? Could the walls need a fresh coat of paint? Have those beautiful hardwood floors lost their luster? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will need to address each issue before you begin to show your home.
The next question to ask is; Is there clutter covering the counter top or any other place in the home? If there is you'll want to eliminate as much as possible immediately. The general rule of thumb is to get rid of at least one half of the clutter.
Take a close look at all of the closets in your home as well. You should use the same principle when going through the closets as you used for the clutter elsewhere. You will need to go through the painstaking process of choosing what to keep, what to store and what to get rid of.
It may be necessary to rent a storage unit while your home is on the market. All of this will help to give your home that tidy appearance you¹ll want to present to potential buyers. Keep in mind that your goal is to market your home in such a manner that you will receive top dollar when sold.
This process can literally save you thousands of dollars. If your home is a pleasure to show, real estate agents will be proud to introduce your home to potential buyers. The confidence a well maintained home inspires will be reflected in the offers received from serious buyers. As a rule great condition and maintenance will help a home sell faster.
Make your check list and keep your home looking great right up to the day you move. When you walk out of the door for the last time you¹ll want your home to reflect your character so leave it in the same condition you would want to receive it; spotless.
