Making a Good First Impression

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If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression can dissuade a potential buyer. Don’t show your property until it’s all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects or landscape designers have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it’s sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:

• Landscaping – Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?

• Cleaning or Redoing the driveway – Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash, oil stain, etc.?

• Painting – Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of?

• Carpeting – Does the carpet have stains? Or does the carpet look old and dirty?

• Roof - Is the roof leaking or do you have old watermarks on the ceiling?

Setting the Price

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The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.

Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an agent, he/she will provide you with a CMA. The CMA will reflect the following:

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• houses in your price range and area sold within the last half-year

• asking and selling prices of houses

• current inventory of houses on the market

• features of similar houses on the market

 

From the CMA, you will find out the difference between the asking price and selling price for all homes

sold, the condition of the market, and other houses comparable to yours.

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Also, try to find out what types of houses are selling and see if it applies to your area. Buyers follow trends, and these trends can help you set your price.

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Always be realistic.

 

Understand and set your price to reflect the current market situation.

Rental

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Need to have your home rented?  We will market the property and qualify potential renters by reviewing their credit, background and past rental history.  We also verify employment and paystubs to make sure they have sufficient income to cover the asking rental price.  We will visit the property and provide you with before pictures for your records and assist with the lease agreement.
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