Whether you intend to live, in your present residence, for a considerable period of time, or are considering, putting your house, on the real estate market, with the attempt to sell it, at the highest possible price, in the shortest period of time, with the least amount of hassle/ stress, it is generally wise, to pay close attention, to making the best possible, first impression, on anyone, looking at your home, for the first time. Pay heed to the expression, You only get one chance to make a first impression, and, thus, you must recognize, potential buyers will, often, become unwilling to consider your house, if this first impression, is less than a stellar one! With that in mind, this article will look at the YPFFOD of making a better, first impression, using the mnemonic approach.
1. Yard/ grounds/ curb appeal: What does your yard, say about you, to others? Are the grounds, positive, or negative? When a potential buyer, approaches your house, for the first time, is there curb appeal? Curb appeal might be defined, as whether the first impression, is appealing, or not! If this initial look is a negative, unappealing one, the potential of selling it, is reduced!
2. Paint; power – wash: Does the home look like it well taken – care – of, or does it appear, in need of a painting? Most houses, also, benefit from, reducing excess dirt, grime, etc, and, many look better, after power – washing!
3. Front Door and Windows: It’s important to remember, and keep in mind, when your home, is approached, the front door and front windows, are among, the first items noticed, and/ or observed! What is the appearance of the entrance – way? Does the door, look clean, neat, and recently painted, and without squeaks, leaks, etc? Are the front windows, well – fitted, sealed, painted, and without cracks, stains, etc? How old are the windows, and are they somewhat, leak – free, and well insulated? Is any air, escaping from below the door, because it is not effectively, well – hung?
4. First impressions: Look objectively, and consider, what type of first impression, others will feel, when they first, see and look at your house! Be smart, and address areas of weakness!
5. Odors: Are there any distracting and/ or negative odors, in, and around the residence? If you have pets, are there any pet odors? Thoroughly clean and de – odorize the entire home, so others are not distracted, in a negative way, by them! Remember, you may have gotten accustomed to these, known as nose – blind, so ask others, to help you recognize this.
6. Distractions: Look completely around the inside, and outside, the house! What distractions, deter from others, fully appreciating the strengths and positives, of your home?
An educated homeowner prepares, for the home – selling process, by positioning his house, in the best possible position, to sell for the lowest possible price, in the shortest period of time. Be a smart home – seller!