Every good agent will talk to you about the importance of making a favorable first impression with prospective buyers.
We’ll tell you you’ve invested marketing dollars on photography and advertising on aggregator websites to attract buyers, and you could waste all that money if you don’t create a great first impression.
Many buyers will judge a home from the street, and if they don’t like what they see, many will drive away without walking through the front gate.
First impressions go a long way in every walk of life – and real estate is no different.
A great-looking front yard and entrance will not only add thousands of dollars to the value of your home but also encourage buyers to take a closer look.
With years of experience working in our neighborhood, I have seen some owners get an “F for Fail” when it comes to making a first impression.
It’s sad because they’ve cost themselves thousands of dollars for want of a little effort.
Below are some problems that encourage buyers to turn on a heel and walk away. Avoid or rectify these problems, and you’re halfway to a successful sale.
- Untidy Garden: There’s nothing worse than seeing a lawn in desperate need of a mow. It might be a 15-minute task, but buyers see it as a sign the rest of the home is just as neglected. So, make sure your landscaping is top-notch.
- Cut the Clutter: Keep your yard free of toys, bicycles, footballs, and the like. It’s easy for these items to accumulate at the front of the home. Put them out of sight.
- Repair Problems: Fix your exterior paintwork and rectify issues such as cracked cement footpaths, rotten window frames, shabby entry doors and missing shutters. If your outside light is not working, fix that too.
- Top Tip: Does your roof have moss growing on it? Does it look dirty with pollution grime? Hire a professional to clean it with a high-pressure hose. It’s a cheap exercise but worthwhile. (Unless you have experience working on a roof and own the appropriate safety equipment, don’t take on this task.)
- Posh Porch: An empty porch is underwhelming. So, dress up your porch with potted plants and, if space allows, a table and chairs set. You might not use them, but they add richness to the experience of buyers’ walk-throughs. Also, buy a new doormat.
- Small Details: Serious buyers are eagle-eyed, so sweat the small stuff. By not attending to minor issues, you’ll create a bad impression. These might include leaving trash cans out, dead spots in the lawn and faded house numbers. And everyone will notice your mailbox. If it’s looking tired, install a new one.