First Impressions- Blind Dating for Homes

Ever go in a blind date? Beforehand, aren’t you just praying that they won’t be unattractive. If they are, most of the next hour will be spent thinking of reasons to leave early. Even if they are a wonderful person- you may never find out.

Home owners are going on a blind date when they come to see your home, or at best it’s like interenet dating. They may have seen some pictures and know a little bit about the home, but once they actually show up- none of that matters anymore. And if your home doesn’t look good outside they may never discover how great it is inside- they may just drive away.
If a buyers pulls up and thinks the home looks bad they know all of their friends will think the same when they come over to visit. We all want to have a home that we’ll be proud of.
When selling a home it’s important to present it well and this begins with the home’s curb appeal. You want the outside appearance to draw them in and make them feel comfortable. You want your home to be a place they would be proud to invite people to.
Some tips to make a good first impresson;

-Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.

-Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.

-Clean windows and gutters.

-Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.

-Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.

-Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.

-Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.

-Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home’s roof.

-Make sure your driveway is clean and clear.

-Spruce it up with some accent lighting.

-If you can budget it, a fresh paint job does wonders for a dingy house. Drive around your town to find color schemes that are appealing.

-Install a more attractive front door, maybe something with leaded glass inserts.

-If you can’t justify the cost of a new door, consider replacing plain doorknob hardware with something more attractive.

-If new hardware is beyond your budget, repaint or stain the door and polish the hardware?

Bring out the best in your landscaping and bring in the highest and best offer for your home. And as you look for your new place be sure to notice why your first impression is good or bad.