I met with a young couple who plan to sell their home this spring. They inquired whether it was important to plant flowers in their neglected flower beds – and also asked about painting their weathered front door.

My response is pretty standard to this question. You wouldn’t go on a first date without wearing your best outfit, make-up and styled hair, because you only get ONE CHANCE at making a good first impression. Why would you approach selling your home any other way?

Home buyers view properties on the internet and make a decision as to whether or not the home appeals to them enough to schedule a viewing. Once they arrive at your property, the scrutiny and consideration continues.

If it takes the Realtor one minute to locate and open the keybox, then open the door – what do you think the Buyers are doing during that time? They are checking out the porch, the ceiling, the door. You want the cobwebs gone, fresh plants, clean windows and furniture if possible. Present a light, bright and squeaky clean entry!

And because home Sellers often do not always enter their home through their front door, this is often forgotten. Huge mistake.

These same Sellers commented that they had a sprinkler system throughout the flower beds in the front and back yard, but not being garden enthusiasts, they had let the flower beds go. I asked how the beautiful flower beds made them feel when they purchased the home. “We LOVED them,” they responded.

The front porch, entrance and yard – your first impression!

Beautiful manicured lawns, colorful flowers and clean entries help dramatically in selling a home because they all make Buyers feel GOOD about the home. They have formed a good first impression and are excited before they even enter your home for sale!

So rent a power washer to clean off the winter dirt and cobwebs, paint the concrete porch if peeling, repair any wood rot and paint the front door if weathered – trim bushes and plant some beautiful color! Clean windows and light fixtures – and add colorful fluffy pillows to any furnishings you may have.

If you are interested in selling your home, please do call me for a consultation! I would love to discuss my listing services with you! 918-852-5036

Content written and published by Lori Cain.