Making a good first impression on prospective home buyers is the key to getting your house sold within a relatively short period of time. Once your house is on the market, you'll want to make sure any major flaws, aesthetic issues, and potential buyer turnoffs have been fully addressed before the first prospects walk through your front door.
Although serious house hunters often return for a second -- and sometimes third -- walkthrough of your home, first impressions determine whether they'll be back for another look.
Since time is of the essence and you may be on a limited home improvement budget, it's necessary to prioritize the projects that will have the most impact on the image you project. When it comes to making cost-effective decisions on preparing your house for showings, your real estate agent can provide helpful insights and objective advice. Seasoned agents can size up a property within minutes and identify ways to improve the look and feel of your home. Although every homeowner is going to have a different set of priorities and issues to deal with, there are a few focal points that would apply to just about everyone.
Curb appeal: To attract the maximum number of prospects to your home (and to put them in a receptive state of mind when viewing your house), it's essential that your property looks well maintained. In addition to having a manicured lawn and bushes that are neatly trimmed, your curb appeal also depends on the condition of your driveway, walkway, and house foundation. The appearance of weeds, cracked surfaces, and peeling or faded paint are sure to be seen as "red flags" to many people and will detract from the impression your home conveys.
Clutter control: Getting a handle on clutter in and around your house is a vital aspect of enhancing its appearance and marketability. Whether you're dealing with storage areas that are jam-packed to the hilt, too much furniture in your living room, or a front yard that's littered with bicycles, lawn equipment, toys and junk vehicles, clutter is a visual cue to people that "something is wrong here!" Clutter inside your house can cause rooms to look smaller and living space to appear as chaotic and uninviting. Even clutter in garages, basements, closets, and attics can send the wrong message to potential house hunters. On the other hand, uncluttered space is like "a breath of fresh air," and can go a long way toward winning over one or more interested prospects.
General recommendations: While everyone's situation is different and unique, cleanliness, proper room lighting, and basic home staging techniques can help maximize your chances for a successful showing. Applying a fresh coat of paint, where needed, also increases the eye-appeal of everything from your front steps and hallways to bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen areas. Thoroughly steam-cleaning carpets and refinishing faded hardwood floors can also be cost-effective ways to bring out the full potential of your home
About the Author
Miriam McKinney
A true native to the Western North Carolina area with family roots dating back to 1810, I am a true ambassador for Western North Carolina with undergraduate degrees in education and music from Mars Hill University and an MBA from Western Carolina University. As a former teacher in the area my goal is to educate, whether a buyer or seller, by providing the most current, relevant information available and by giving expert guidance throughout. My professional goal is to exceed my client's expectations through a commitment to excellence with their success as the number one goal! Being a trusted advisor and creating lifelong relationships is an honor. The result is that I have been a top producing Realtor providing clients with successful outcomes for 20 years. I am licensed in both North and South Carolina.
Real Estate is my love and passion, and when I am not helping my clients achieve their real estate goals, I am working on my real estate investment portfolio. I am a seasoned investor who not only helps my clients buy and sell real estate, but I own investment real estate as well. My experience with different investments is extensive - from commercial investments, short-term rentals, single family homes and at times I am even the one with the power tools and getting my hands dirty, which is incredibly satisfying and rewarding!
“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
Giving back to the community and others is what this life is all about. I volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sisters, Conserving Carolina, travel abroad to help build houses for people without homes, give back to my profession as a past Secretary and Director for Land of the Sky Association of Realtors and serve on the Board of Equalization and Review for Buncombe County.
I love living in the mountains and enjoy the coast as well. This is the best of both worlds as North Carolina is an incredible state! I feel blessed to call the mountains of NC my home. One of my favorite activities is to hike with my Jack Russell, "Bella". Other favorites include cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, pilates, yoga, and paddle boarding. You will often find me participating in local and regional races. I love to travel the world but most of all I love coming home!
Experience matters. Real estate transactions are generally the largest transaction that most people ever do. I would be delighted to talk with you about your real estate goals and objectives and put my experience to work for you.
