Jim Valentine: The sights and sounds of viewing a home

When you put your home on the market for sale it’s important that you set aside your “owner’s” hat and put on your “buyer’s” hat. What will that do to you? If you’ve looked at your situation objectively and worked with your agent getting ready to market, probably very little. There are, however, many details in your home and around your property that will nuance a buyer’s impression of your home.

Starting with when they drive up. What does it look like if they park across the street and are looking at the front of elevation all the way to the front door? Are the leaves and weeds out of the front garden? Is there any debris on the roof or hanging out of the rain gutters? Hedge trimmed or ragged? None of it impacts the structure and interior enjoyment of the home, but it begins to make an impression of an unkempt property creating doubt about what they can’t see elsewhere around the property.

Do the doors creak when you open them? It may be good for a parent to hear the front door creak when their teenager comes home late at night, but what will a buyer think? How about the garage door(s)? They may open smoothly because they are on track but get them some lubrication if they creak and moan all the way up and down. A smooth, quiet garage door will leave a positive impression.

We didn’t mention odors in the title, but a clean cat box can sure help your cause, especially if the buyer doesn’t relate to cats. Did you have shrimp for dinner a couple of days ago? Take the garbage out! Closets smell stale even if your clothes are clean. Treat the air with something that doesn’t overwhelm the smeller. Nice odors can boost a showing, i.e. – baking, and pleasant odor enhancers.

Don’t leave your medicines in plain sight, especially if you’ve something that could indicate a need to sell. Put them away for a showing. That also applies to letters from your doctor that may be on your desk or table. It is natural to have that communication handy in your home, but it is best that a buyer doesn’t know about your personal ailments. If you have late bills, don’t leave those in plain sight. We once showed a home with a four-month power bill delinquency and disconnect notice hanging off a kitchen counter.

Kids rooms will be kids’ rooms, but make sure they can get an idea of the size and condition of the room. Not all toys have to go in the toy box, but a bit of a pickup will go a long ways. The same applies for the parents’ room. The atmosphere you create for one another is not for others to witness. Put your intimates away and make the room generally appealing.

Your pets can help or hinder your sell. You know your pet so plan their participation in the showing, or lack thereof, accordingly. A friendly dog that jumps on buyers trying to lick them can be as offensive as a biter. Reptiles can scare buyers even if they are in a cage. A discreet cover over the cage for a showing can prevent any unnecessary buyer anxiety.

Cater to your viewing guest as if they were coming to dinner. Your efforts can help you and them achieve what you want. When you have a showing appointment scheduled look around at your house and make sure you maintain your privacy and protect your valuables. You don’t really know who is looking at your house and what action they may take a result of what they see. Ideally, they will like it and write a respectable offer.

Regardless, make sure they walk away talking about what a nice home yours was. If you’ve personal things that may be controversial by their nature to a buyer, put it away while you are on the market so as not to offend a potential buyer.

The idea is to sell your house to the buyer, not leave them lasting impressions of yourself. Keep thinking of what a buyer will see when they come through. You never get a second chance at a first impression. Make yours count!

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your Real Estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com.