You have probably heard how important first impressions can be. But did you know that within 15 seconds a buyer has developed an opinion of your property? This is why establishing the right first impression is critical to a successful sale! My team's goal is not simply to sell our client’s homes, but rather to help them realize the best price obtainable for the property. Based on proven marketing techniques, the following will introduce you to practical ideas on how to successfully prepare your house for sale. These suggestions require a minimum amount of time and expense and are designed to make your home stand out from the competition.
The Model Home Effect
The best way to make a buyer “feel at home” is to create an environment similar to that found in a model home. Now obviously you can not recreate the feeling of a perfect display home without starting from scratch, but there are some valuable techniques to be learned.
The Model Home Effect
- Neutral, clean and clutter free environment
- The colors and decorating accent the home’s features
- The smell is new and clean and the lighting is bright
- All details are looked after, from manicuring the lawn to a
floral arrangement in the entry
The Home Front
Your property’s landscape is not limited to the lawn and shrubs but encompasses everything from the street to your doorstep. For this reason, you must make sure each component of the visual landscape looks it’s best. The real estate industry refers to this as “curb appeal”.
The Home Front
- Keep grass healthy (fertilized, watered, mowed and edged). Mulch beds fresh, shrubs trimmed and leaves raked. Plant flowers, pull weeds and clean up after pets.
- Power wash house, sidewalks, and/or deck or patio if needed.
- Paint the house if needed as this is one of the best investments you can make to increase the value of your home.
- The doorway is the focal point of your home and if it needs; repainting, a hardware update, or a new light fixture do not hesitate to do so.
- Make sure the windows are sparkling clean.
- A quick painting of an old mailbox will let potential buyers know you care about the details. If outdoor lamps look rusted and worn out, replacing them will cast a positive light on your property.
- It is best that vehicles not be left at the home during shows however, if this can not be avoided it is best that they be detailed or thoroughly cleaned to create an overall impression.
Roof
The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front. A well-maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property.
- Replace any broken or missing shingles
- Repair flashing where needed
- Paint eaves and fascia boards
- If the roof is old and needs to be replaced, consider having the work done before showing the property
Gutter/Downspouts
Neat and trim-looking gutters and downspouts make a house look shipshape and will help keep the basement dry. If these items are in disrepair you can count on this being addressed by the buyer’s inspector.
Driveway
Consider the surface condition of the drive-way, if it is an asphalt drive have it professionally resealed, or do it yourself with a high quality sealer. If yours is a concrete drive-way, power wash it to remove any stains. If needed apply a concrete cleaning solution and then power wash.
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For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.
Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.
I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers
"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman
Heather Joubran, GRI, NRBA, CLHMS, CDPE
RE/MAX Central Realty
www.HeatherTheRealtor.com (407) 810-6304
Specializing in First Time Home Buyers, Short Sales, Bank Owned Real Estate, REO & Foreclosure Properties
Servicing Real Estate Needs in: Lake Mary, Longwood, Winter Springs, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, College Park, Winter Park, Maitland, Windermere, UCF, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Apopka, Ocoee & Winter Garden
Heather... Great advice to homeowners. A wise man has said that this market is a "Price War" and a"Beauty Contest" at the same time.
Wow, this home is awesome! How much is it? (the brick one) Thanks, Jeff Packard