Make a First Impression

You only get one chance!
We prepare our homes for the market different than we live in them! Here are some things to keep in mind when your home is on the market:

• Get rid of all clutter (people viewing your home will have a hard time picturing where they will put things if the rooms are crowded and cluttered).

• Remove many if not all of your personal pictures. People may get sidetracked looking at your family pictures rather than picturing where they might be able to put their furniture.

• Neutralize as much as possible. If you have a dark colored room you probably need to repaint it a lighter color.

• Wash walls or repaint. If people begin thinking about all they will have to do before or after they move in, they may select another home – even if your home better meets their needs.

• Open blinds so that the rooms appear bright and airy. If you are showing the home in the evening (or if your home is not very bright), turn on all of the lights.

• Shampoo carpets if they need it. (When you open the blinds, soiled carpets are going to be more noticeable!)

• Make obvious repairs – the purchaser will most likely ask for them anyway and it’s better to be proactive. Your home will show better.

• Sweep sidewalks and driveway. Make sure the front entrance looks great! People will be really looking at this area while their agent is getting the keys and opening the door.

• Don’t ever leave the house with dishes in the sink or with unmade beds. Also, clean off vanities, straighten rooms and put all items away. The first time you leave the house a mess, you can be sure someone will show it! Walking into a messy house often makes people feel that you haven’t taken good care of the home.

• Always leave when your home is being shown. People won’t open doors or closets if your there and storage can be a deciding factor in their home selection. They also will feel uncomfortable and won’t stay very long.
  If you are home when the people arrive, leave quickly and be cautious about what you tell the agent or their client. Remember, you may be hurting your negotiating power if you reveal too much information.

Jennifer Waszazak

REALTOR® , Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, Inc.

1061 Lake Murray Blvd
Irmo, SC 29063
Office (803) 781-0088
Cell     (803) 553-2424
Fax     (803) 732-4517