Selling Your Home? First Impressions Really Do Give Your Home A Positive Boost

Yes we know, there are multiple offers, low inventory and buyers are lined around the block to see your home. There really is a little "boost" to help you receive the best and highest offer you didn't expect.

On the Peninsula recently a homeowner ready to retire, decided she wanted to sell her income property. A single family home, it had been a rental for 20 years. Before you gasp in horror, it may interest and surprise you that the long time tenants, did a great job, and left the home in surprisingly good condition.

We then had an artistic person who worked wonders with the interior. Aside from neutral paint, something as simple as refinishing cabinets and adding new knobs, really helped. Updating the light fixtures, faucets, bath mirrors truly did added to the overall impression. Minimal staging added a bonus touch. Keep in mind this home was relativly in it's original condition.

Even so, the VERY first impressions were of an outdoor light, rusted and cracked, an old mailbox also rather beat up, and no plants or color along the path leading to the front door. No Problem. We then changed to a new mail box, outdoor light and added some gorgeous potted plants along the walkway. Since it was a few weeks before the 4th of July, we added 2 large planters with red white and blue flowers. The results were amazing. Before anyone even entered the home they were greeted with lush color, freshly painted front door, and a lovely 4th of July display.

Here Are a Few Ideas For a Great First Impression:

• The front of your home should be pristine, put your garbage cans in the garage or anywhere out of sight. Trim shrubs and trees.
• Colorful plants and a freshly painted front door works magic
• New mail box, out door light, and new doorknob for the front door will make a huge difference
• DO NOT spray the home with air fresheners, visitors may think you're trying to hide something. Adding some unlit scented candles will add a nice atmospheric ambiance
• If you are selling a condo, and the lobby is drab, talk to your HOA Board Members permission to see if you are able to spruce it up with some large potted silk plants and maybe some subdued art work. They may agree if it doesn't disturb the overall appearance. 

I still stand firmly against the idea of underpricing your home (To attract multiple offers) It's just not something I feel comfy with. We priced this home at market value and the seller hoped to get "close to it" She was shocked and thrilled at the results.