These are the seven most commonly forgotten items to make a great first impression. Attending to these simple and inexpensive items is a great way to make a fantastic first impression.
First Things First
You won’t get a second opportunity to make a great first impression with buyers.
1. Have your windows professionally cleaned. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes inside and out. The light inside your home and the view out the windows, will be stellar. Clean glass almost sparkles when you look out the windows.
2. Touch up the landscaping. Adding fresh sod, trimming and edging the lawn, having trees pruned, are all small items. A few hours by a landscaper can have your yard looking great.
3. Remove extra furniture. While living in your home is about comfort, selling your home is about creating an image of a large, comfortable space. Removing furniture is a great way to open pathways and give buyers a sense of an “open layout.”
4. Clean out the garage. Throw away the items that have accumulated. The stuff you’ve been meaning to throw out? Now is the time. Men head directly for the garage and basement. Make a great impression by showing them a clean empty space for their stuff.
5. Service your furnace and air conditioner with a professional HVAC firm. Leave copies of the invoices and monthly electric/gas statements by the furnace. Change the filter on the furnace. Show buyers you care about your home.
6. Hire a handyman for a few hours one day. Have him fix all the leaks, caulk/paint any cracks, ensure windows open and close easily.
7. Make certain your front door lock is easy to operate. Sticky key? You may be used to it and know just how to get it to open, but you don’t want the agent showing your home to spend five minutes attempting to get into the house. Replace old locks, make certain the copy of key works smoothly.