First Impressions are So Important!
Don't overlook the front entrance of your home, in fact you may want to address anything that could be considered a flaw immediately.
Your home will be marketed on the web, postcards produced and flyers created, so many buyers will make their minds up about whether or not to see your house based on multiple photos of the inside, the description of each room that is artfully presented, and the size of the rooms, etc.
However, a vast proportion of buyers will simply DRIVE BY your home, possibly never even seeing your home's web site, its listing on Realtor.com, or Homes.com, or elsewhere. If the front is not IMMACULATE, they may never call your Realtor to schedule a showing.
The Front Door:
- Make sure the front door is freshly painted, if it hasn't been painted in a while, apply a fresh coat of exterior paint. Red is a great "feng shui" color for abundance and goes with many neutral siding and trim colors.
- Polish the door knocker and handle with brass or silver polish so it sparkles!
- Remove leaves, debris, dirt from the entrance way - and Keep it Clear!!!
- Have minimal items strategically placed on the deck if applicable - such as a couple of urns with topiaries, a hanging basket, and bench. It should not look too cluttered or busy.
- Make sure grass is cut regularly and edges trimmed. Remove clippings immediately, and do not allow foliage to get close to the foundation of the house. Avoid climbing plants, as home inspectors see those as "pest attracters."
- Overall the impression should be neat, clean, attractive and clutter free.
- Have your windows cleaned, and keep them clean.
- Remove screens if you are listing your home in the winter time to maximize light in your home.
- Clean screens in the spring by removing and spritzing with a garden hose and then drying flat.
- Make sure curtains are attractive, and look attractive from the front of the house.
- Keep lights on at night in the lower level of the house in the front for a warm friendly appealing glow.
- Make sure window trim is painted if peeling and cracking.
Siding:
- Make sure any cracked siding is replaced;
- If you have wood shingles or siding, repaint if necessary.
Roof:
- If your roof is older and any damage to roof shingles, at the very least get a written estimate from three reputable roofers to replace roofing with Architectural Shingles. Nothing flashes a red flag to prospective buyers than a roof that doesn't look so good.
Gutters:
- Some folks believe gutters are imperative, others prefer not to have them. The golden rule is, if you have them, keep them free of leaves and other debris, otherwise it can cause the gutters to break away from the side of the house and cause leaking.
Call Izzy today - Mobile: 978-855-1092
COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS
AND STAGING ANALYSIS! Showing Sellers how to Stage!
Mobile: 978-855-1092
email: izzyzarrillo@remax.net
web: http://metrowestbostonrealestate.com/
Also click here for great reading about this being the TIME TO BUY REAL ESTATE!!
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1713483,00.html
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