If you’re selling your home, then it really does pay to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Taking a long hard and honest look at your home can often reveal little issues that may have a potential buyer looking elsewhere, or have them considering a lowball offer. If there are little issues everywhere a buyer looks, then they often walk away wondering what big issues may be hidden away from a walk-through inspection.

The easiest way to view your home as a buyer may is to start at the start. Consider these areas:

  • Your listing – Look at your listing in the real estate agent’s office and on the MLS – does it look and sound appealing?
  • First impressions – As you drive up to your home (from all directions), how does it look? Are the lawns neat and tidy, the flower beds either flowering all at least weeded and mulched? Is the driveway clear and clean? First impressions count.
  • Front door - Is the front door in good repair, including screens? The front entryway is where your potential buyer gets that second and important ‘could this be my home’ impression.
  • Front to back – As you walk from the front of the home to the back (including all side rooms), are the walls, floors, and ceiling clean and free of marks (and cobwebs that love to gather in corners)? Do all windows, doorsm and screens work and look to be in good condition?
  • Kitchen and bathrooms – Are these areas reasonably neat and tidy and most importantly, clean? Tile grout is an important area that should be clean and spotless – certainly not showing soap scum or mold.
  • Yards, sheds, and fences – Is the external area at the rear of the home in good condition? This includes the lawn areas, garden beds, sheds, and fences (and pool if you have one).

By viewing your home as a potential buyer would, you can often pick up on the little things that can make or break a sale. Fix these areas early and you may find that your property sells a lot quicker for a price that at least comes close to what you are asking.

 

Related posts:

  1. Don’t Let Your House Buyer Get Cold Feet
  2. Home Buyer Quick Guide
  3. Sifting the Home Buyer Market in Washington DC
  4. The Requirements For A Home Buyer Between Offer And Settlement
  5. Helping Your Buyer Transition To Their New Home