Sell That House: First Impression
The all important first impression is a very critical point in selling a home. It is said that some buyers make up their mind, yes or no, within the fist half minute of seeing a home. What is not thought about as often is that there are actually more than one first impressions.
Of course, there may be several people who are looking at the house, but beyond that, the first impression has various stages.
The first of these impressions may be the advertising.
- The truly most beautiful and appropriately priced home may never get anyone's attention if the listing is not done with care. The obvious and perhaps most critical part of the listing are the photos. Does the listing have photos, do they cover the interior and exterior, and are they good photos, which show off the homes best qualities? A camera which can account for brightness and darkness is important; a wide angle lens can be invaluable; the basic toilet shot does very little.
- Also, of importance is having a listing with sufficient information. Does the listing show the rooms, their locations and sizes? Is their a link to the public record or is everthing a secret?
- The listing should be up to date. It is not a good idea to have remarks indicating an open house which occurred last week.
The first contact:
- Is there a number to call and does someone answer who can help?
- Does someone on floor duty answer the phone, put you on hold three times, and then ask again for the address, and finally say that they can't find the listing so they transfer you to someone else?
- Does a receptionist answer who states that only an agent can give you information about the house and they would be glad to transfer you, which they do to a voice mail?
- You must make it easy for them. Do not frustrate them before they even get started.
The directions:
- First the directions should be accurate.
- Also, some thought should go into the best route to approach the house. Do the directions lead in down a tree lined street of well maintained properties or do they lead past the apartments and crowded bus stops.
The exterior:
- The grounds should have well trimmed and manicured lawns, trees, bushes, and flowers. Colorful flowers can be very attractive.
- Walkways and driveways should be in good repair.
- The house should be in good repair. All gutters, downspouts, roof shingles, shutters, and such should be intact. The house should not show signs of significant aging. It should be painted if necessary.
The interior:
- This, of course, applies to the moment that the buyer walks into the house, but they are not going to stop at the front door. They will enter every room.
- The home should be clean and free of smells. It should not be cluttered. The buyer is interested in buying your house, but only if the house can be seen.
Everyone of these stages that the buyer may experience is critical, because if they are turned off by any one of these first impression stops along the way, then they may not proceed to the end. If they do not make it to the end, then they most likely are not going to buy, let alone give the house a second thought.
