"First Impressions Count."
"You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression."
"First Impressions are Lasting Impressions."
As tired and banal as these clichés may sound to you,
the reason why they are clichés is because they are true.
The decision to buy a house is not solely based upon
rational factors such as price, location and accessibility
to services. It is also an emotional choice. It is a search
for a home, a place in which one will find comfort, security
and happiness, a place one would want to settle down and
live in.
Emotions are set early, so it is important that minor,
even typical, nuisances such as an unmowed lawn or a pile
of boots by the door are looked after. As unfair as it might
be to your home, after only fifteen seconds most buyers
have already developed a perception of your property that
will color their feelings for the rest of the showing and
perhaps dramatically affect their perceived value of the
property.
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Here is a list of suggestions
for creating a favorable first impression: |
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"Love at first
sight..." |
"Cleanliness
is a virtue" |
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Plant flowers, weed and edge gardens
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Mow lawn and trim hedges and shrubs
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Clean driveway and sidewalks of dirt,
leaves or snow |
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Water the lawn extensively, well
in advance of selling |
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Remove old lawn ornaments, toys and
play sets |
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Clean and repair rain gutters and
siding |
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Touch up exterior paint
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Clean out garage
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Pick up any litter
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Make mirrors glitter and appliances
sparkle |
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Wash and polish all floors
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Clean and freshen bathrooms
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Clean/shampoo all carpets
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Clean all windows, walls, doors and
trim |
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"This place looks neat
and tidy" |
"It certainly
is well maintained" |
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Clear all countertops
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De-clutter all heavy traffic areas
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Store surplus furniture to reduce
feeling crowded |
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Put seasonal clothing into storage
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Clear halls and stairs of clutter
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Make all closets neat & tidy
(and only half-full, even if this means moving items
to another storage area) |
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Touch up interior paint and paper
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Repair cracked plaster
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Tighten door knobs and cupboard latches
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Oil any squeaky doors
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Repair leaky plumbing (taps, shower
heads and toilets) |
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Repair seals/caulking around bathtub
and sinks |
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Replace burnt-out light bulbs/install
brighter bulbs |
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Clean furnace and humidifier
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Repair any other minor flaws
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The "PRESENTATION"
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Turn on all lights
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Open all drapes in daytime
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Play quiet background music
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Turn on air-conditioning or light
fireplace |
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Keep pets outside during showings
(or, better yet, at a friend's)
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Have as few people in the house as
possible. If you can, be absent during any showings.
Potential buyers often feel awkward and rush through
if they think they are inconveniencing the owner.
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Great Beginnings start
