The old saying, “You only have one chance to make a first impression,” is not always true. In real estate, you actually have two chances to make that first impression, and both are vitally important. The first, first impression buyers will have of a home is called “curb appeal.” This is the way your home appears to a buyer as they check the listing on-line, as they drive by to preview the property, and as they first pull up to attend an open house or take a tour of your home with their agent. Having the yard, the hedges, the trees, the driveway, and the buildings exterior attractive and well maintained go a long way toward getting you more showings and definitely increase your chances of a good offer.
The “second first impression” a buyer gets of your home occurs as they walk in the door for the first time. The steps, the porch, the front door, the entry way, and the first room they see should be as attractive as possible. A buyer that gets two good first impressions generally spends the rest of his/her tour reinforcing those good impressions. Whereas a buyer who is skeptical of a property early on most often remains skeptical.
Homes that have great curb appeal, that are extra clean, that have been decluttered and that have a pleasant aroma sell faster and for more money than homes that appear “lived in” or neglected.
See our Home Preparation Checklist tab for more details and ideas.
