Traditional Open Houses have become rather rare. Many Sellers today are requesting that potential Buyers follow a few extra steps prior to allowing access to their homes. This new approach will help eliminate unqualified buyers; people just looking for renovation ideas, killing time, not financially qualified and most importantly, potential health risks to the Sellers.

 

The days of spending the afternoon checking out all homes in an area are diminishing. Whether your home looked nice on the outside or not, people still stopped to take a quick peek inside.

 

A serious buyer willing to spend the time and energy, starts the process by reviewing the listing details, photos and floor plan online. Progressing to visiting the neighbourhood and the property itself. Bringing us to a very important detail; viewing the home from curbside. The well-known phrase, curb appeal, rises up to being ever more important.

 

The seller must grab the attention of the buyer the moment they drive up, they need to see your home as a contender. Does it entice or detract them from making an appointment to view your home? If they like what they see, they will request a viewing.

 

Take a step back from your home and truly look at it, does it look inviting and well-kept?

 

Many improvements can be done in a weekend and at very little cost. Trim the trees, edge the lawn, plant a few flowers and give everything a nice watering. A good pressure wash of the siding, steps and driveway will freshen everything up and remove algae. Cleanout those eavestroughs. Next, take a trip to your local hardware store for a new mailbox, house numbers and welcome mat. These inexpensive items will renew your homes exterior. If you want to go one step further, a fresh coat of paint on the front door will look awesome, and a bold color will make your home stand out.

 

Now people won’t just drive by, they will stop!

This is just the beginning, now it’s time to move inside (part 2 next week)