Oregon Real Estate Queen

TIPS FOR SELLERS #1 – MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

By Lori Palermo – Oregon Real Estate Queen

It has been said that we never get a second chance to make a first impression. Although this quote was in reference to our first impressions of people, the same is true with houses.

Before listing your home for sale, I recommend taking a good, hard, unbiased look at the front of your home. Sometimes this is the most difficult step of all – the unbiased part anyway. You might consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend to gain better perspective. Take an objective look at the appearance of your home as you drive on to your street and into your driveway. Here are some tips to make a great first impression on potential home buyers, and remember CURB APPEAL is paramount!

1. Cut and edge the grass. Keep it well watered and fertilized. Weed the flowerbeds, plant some flowers and use bark dust liberally. If planting isn’t an option, purchase “Color Spots” (already planted containers) and place them where they can be seen.

2. Power-wash the exterior. Pay special attention to the eaves and soffits where spider webs and bees nests collect.

3. Paint any areas that show chipped, flaking or fading paint. Even just touching up or painting the trim can make a huge difference. Don’t forget the gutters and garage door.

4. Wash the windows inside and out. Don’t forget the screens, tracks and trim. Remove any exterior “blinds” that are tattered or unnecessary. If blinds must be used, consider rolling them up prior to a showing, or at any time they aren’t necessary.

5. Remove any moss or debris from the roof and gutters.

6. Power-wash the driveway. Remove any staining left behind from cars and repair any cracking.

7. If you have a mailbox at the street in front of your home, make sure that it is in good repair and is freshly painted, displaying your house number or address.

8. Remove anything that would detract attention from your home: An old basketball hoop, firewood stacked against an exterior wall, even a utility trailer parked in front can be distracting and always make sure that garbage receptacles are out of sight.

9. Take steps to ensure that the exterior of your home is well lighted. Change out any old fixtures, replace any burned out light bulbs and install a security light. Make sure that there is adequate lighting on the front porch.

10. Make sure that toys, gardening tools, hoses and yard debris are out of sight and always pick up after your pets right away.

I wish you the very best of luck in the sale of your home. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at loripalermo@comcast.net. For more information on home buying, home selling or real estate in general, please log on to my website at http://oregonrealestatequeen.com.