When you’re preparing to sell your home, you want to show it in its best light… which can be hard to see when you’re up close and personal with it.
You’re well aware that your kids drew on the back wall of the coat closet in permanent marker when they were two years old. You know the exact shade of chicken curry that is now a permanent fixture on your living room carpet. The guest bathroom door squeals on its hinges, and you have to open that one kitchen drawer just right to keep it from falling out.
These things don’t bother you, but to a potential buyer, they don’t exactly scream, “Love me!!!”
As a realtor in Northwest Arkansas, I’ve witnessed how a good first impression can influence a buyer both emotionally and visually. There’s a face people get when they’re prepared to make an offer (I call it the “say yes to the address” look), and it doesn’t just magically appear.
Before you start marketing and showing your home, take stock of the necessary fixes and upgrades. You don’t want to give buyers a negative first impression that might limit your means of negotiation.
My advice? If you feel too close to the situation to give your home an unbiased overview, ask for a fresh pair of eyes. A good realtor can give you a solid perspective on this front. You can even ask an architect or a landscape designer for their thoughts. And try not to take them personally! I know that’s easier said than done, but any suggestions you receive are a reflection of the market, not of your family’s life.
One tried-and-true avenue to give buyers a positive first impression is to clean up your landscaping. Has your yard been maintained? Are your fences, walkways, and gardens in good condition? If not, this can either be a fun weekend project or a quick call to your local landscaper.
Another key fixture that people often overlook is the driveway. Is yours cluttered with toys, tools, and/or trash (i.e., do you live at your house)? Even a quick clean-up can help buyers imagine their own cars parked in the garage or their own children playing in the yard (often two huge factors in the “say yes to the address” look).
As for the inside of your home, snap some pictures because it’s time to cover those permanent marker scribbles. A fresh coat of paint can transform a space, decreasing market time and increasing market value.
If it’s your carpet that’s got you down, consider the reason why. Would a professional cleaning make the necessary difference? Or does it need to be replaced altogether? Either way, this is normal—our carpets see a lot of wear and tear over the years. It’s not you (or the chicken curry). It’s just the nature of owning a home!
Preparing your house to sell can mean tackling some renovations—but you’re never on your own. Here in Northwest Arkansas, we have some fabulous contractors who can help with landscaping, painting, flooring, and cleaning. Even if you’re not sure where to begin, they are.
With a few repairs and upgrades, a well-loved home is totally marketable (and talk about a great vibe). Nail that first impression, and you’ll be saying yes to your new address in no time.