Here’s how to attract buyers to actually purchase your house.
There are 3 first steps or test, to get buyers to want to buy your home. Step 1 is critical to pass to get the 2nd step, then you’ll have to pass the 2nd to get to the 3rd. Of course, you’ll need to pass a few more to get to the final, The Closing Table!
Don’t stress. All Sellers have to pass these tests and you’ve found my list of secrets to help you get moving. (Pun intended)!!!
Lets get to it.
Get your house ready
We’ll get back to these 3 steps, but first let start at the beginning. First thing is getting ready to list your home on the real estate market. Start by taking a walk. Easy enough, right? It’s important that you walk, don’t drive, out of sight of your home. The main reason is we zoom in and out of our homes without really looking at it. As you return down your street or driveway, take notice. Its helpful to write down what you’re seeing.
Curb Appeal
Having an inviting exterior is an important step to attract buyers. The exterior view is always worth a look over. Anything that you see that needs fixing or refreshing add to your list. If you notice it, a buyer will definitely see it and money signs will spin over their eyes and right out of your pocket. No matter how good at negotiating your realtor is, a buyers repair list will cost you more in the long run. Paint that fence, plant some flowers (don’t forget they need water), seal the driveway, fix the screens and cut the grass. If you’re having trouble with whats most important, don’t be embarrassed to ask your realtor. We know what buyers are not embarrassed to point out.
Wheres the front door?
Most homes have a front door at the center or somewhat center of the house. Look at how to get to yours. Is there a sidewalk? Is it cracked pavement? Weeds growing between the pavers? Overgrown bushes hiding the door? Old mulch or dead flower beds? You know about curb appeal. Its a real thing. You want to draw buyers in, at least want them to walk right up to the front door with eagerness to get inside. Make it as easy as possible for buyers to know how to enter.
Lets say you enter through the garage or a side door. You’ll want that space clear of any obstructions as well, however treat this quiz of ours as you’re the guest coming to your home for the 1st time. The main entry should be as inviting as possible.
Front door check
Now you’re at the front door. Look at it and determine if it needs a fresh coat of paint? Is the porch light out? Are the numbers hung straight? Could it use refreshing like a new welcome mat or wreath? Again, you want buyers to enter. This is an important part of Step 1 to attracting buyers.
Ready to enter, ring the door bell. You should already know if that is working or not. Open the door. Does it squeak or stick? Does the door knob turn easily.
I know you’re thinking I’m insane. My mother had me tested and I assure you I am not. Totally Kidding! Listen, if I told you how many buyers know if its the right house within seconds of walking into the house, you probably wont believe me. I don’t know how they know, but they do.
Welcome! Come inside.
Now that you’ve got the buyer (you) inside, take a look around from where you’re standing. Coats and shoes should to be put away. Floors clean, lighting on – all light bulbs working, that collect all table needs to be refreshed with something nice like fresh flowers. Look at your sight lines (where do your eyes go), decide what needs improvement.
The walk-thru
Walk throughout each room of your home. You are looking for places of neglect. Could the place use fresh paint? Does that bathroom linoleum need to be updated? How about the trim around the doors, floors and windows? Does the grout around the tile need cleaning or fixing?
Buyers really dislike carpet and wallpaper. Period. If you can replace flooring, I’d recommend you do. The vinyl wood look is durable, inexpensive and buyers like it as much as hardwood. Hardwood wins every time, but it’s a good clean compromise. The wallpaper is a project to remove for a buyer. Removing it before you list your home will save you from all the nosy buyers who wont make you an offer. Shiplap is an option and buyers these days love it. Go right over it.
My last secret tip is declutter. After all, you’re planning on moving. Purge whatever you can and box up whatever you don’t absolutely need. When my buyers ask me, “does it look like they’ve been packing?” I know they’re nervous about all the content in the house. You don’t want them worrying if you’ll be able to get out in time for them to move in. Which means organize too. Clean the closets, junk draws or garage even.
Things to do…
Now, you’ve got a honey do list. Tackle it one project at a time. It wont be overwhelming if you snowball the list. 1 item crossed off will lead to the next. Your goal is to sell this house! Why not for top dollar, right?
First 3 Steps (Tests) to SOLD
Oh yeah, I almost forgot the 3 Steps to getting a buyer to want to buy your house. It’s so simple, but my sellers agree. One of my clients had an Aimee Says List to complete these. I thought its cute and now I share a property list with all my sellers.
Step #1
The 1st step is the online test. Buyers search and find homes on websites like Zillow. They scroll through properties that meet a budget, area, and need/wants. If your home doesn’t have the most appealing profile you’ll never get them to Step 2. Picture day is a very significant part of selling.
Step #2
The 2nd Step is the drive by test. Of course your address is listed on these sites and buyers are going to take a look before calling an agent to view the inside. See how that works and why its so important to have an inviting front door and that curb appeal. If all goes as planned, you’re at step 3.
Step #3
The 3rd Step is where all this comes together, Please Come Inside. Your home has checked off all the buyers boxes. The right price, the right neighborhood, the right number of bedrooms, passed step 1 & 2… but what makes it right for the buyer? You’ve done everything to get the house ready to sell, you’ve hooked buyers to come see it. Don’t stop here. Read the next Chapter here…
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