Updated on November 2, 2021 by Matthew Fraker
Research suggests that it can take as little as a fraction of a second to form a first impression of a stranger. If we apply the same principle to housing, prospective buyers will likely begin to form an opinion of your house before reaching the front door. They will probably continue to do so after walking in. So, how can you use this information to your benefit? Here are a few quick tips to help make the best first impression of your property.
Exterior:
A Potential buyer won’t get a detailed look at the house’s façade until they pull up to the front. The allure of a property from the street is called curb appeal, and it can set the tone for the rest of the showing. Furthermore, it may serve as a reflection of how well a house is cared for. Make sure the grass is cut, plant beds free of weeds, and shrubbery trimmed. Look for and touch up any noticeable chipped paint. In addition, try to identify and repair rotted wood, whether on the trim, siding, or even the house’s front door. Lastly, make sure the front entryway/stoop is free from cobwebs, debris, and dust.
Interior:
Once a buyer is in the home, they will probably begin envisioning themselves living in the space. Therefore, the seller should try to create a tasteful blank canvas—using either their furniture or a stager—thereby allowing the buyer to form a picture of what life could be like living in the property. The first step is to depersonalize: remove clutter, family photographs, and tchotchke items. This is also an excellent opportunity to pack some of these items away, saving you time in the future. Furniture placement can also play an important role; bulky furniture can make a large room appear small. Conversely, you can make small spaces seem more spacious. There is an excellent article on ways to enhance small rooms here.
Once the house is decluttered, conduct a deep clean. It can be challenging for buyers to look past a dirty home. The property could be in excellent condition, but a messy or dirty house may cause a potential buyer to draw unfounded conclusions about the state of the property. I have witnessed situations where buyers walk into a home and turn around, a decision based solely on the state of cleanliness.
Hide your valuables! I have never been in a situation where something was stolen from a house, and hopefully, I never will be because it does happen. You will likely have strangers walking through your home, and it can be difficult for agents to keep an eye on an entire group, especially during an open house. I find it works best If sellers have a safe space off-site to store valuable items.
What is it that smells most in a house? The nose. Cue the laugh track. You can be almost sure that prospective buyers will notice an odd smell. Most odors have a source, and often, it’s relatively easy to locate. Your agent should inform you if there is a terrible smell. If you are selling without an agent, have a neutral third-party swing by to tell you if they notice any odd scents. One of the most common causes of odor is pets. Owners can frequently become accustomed to a pet smell, not even realizing it’s there. I have also been in quite a few houses that smelled like smoke. Whether it be repainting, recarpeting (including the padding), or cleaning, there are almost always ways to remediate a smell. Numerous companies specialize in odor removal, and if you choose not to go that route, many websites offer simple remediation solutions. Just be sure to verify the credibility of the website and information if you decide to take on a weekend warrior project and do it yourself.
Authors note: This post was initially published on February 28, 2021, and has been updated and improved to include new information.
The content published in this post and other posts on this site are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment, tax, financial, or legal advice.
Fraker Realty | Trusted Real Estate Services in Greater Charlotte 