Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference!

Sue and I recently took a listing which had been on the maket for 3 months with a broker who is not a full-time or full-service realtor. The gentlman happens to have his real estate license but selling residential real estate is not his business. I believe he took the listing in an effort to be of assistance to someone he had some other professional dealings with in the past.

When we got the call from the clients, for various reasons, they were at a point where selling the home quickly was their number one goal. We lowered the list price by a few thousand dollars and I went over to take new pictures. When I got there I went in the side door, which was where the lockbox was located. As soon as I went in I knew this entrance could not possibly give a prospective buyer the best first impression. Even though the house was in pretty good condition and was very clean, the first thing I noticed were the scuffs on the step risers, leading up to the kitchen's vinyl covered floor. From that level, I could also see that the edge of the flooring was starting to peel up.

Now, if at all possible, when I am showing a buyer a home and the lockbox is not on the front door, I have the buyer wait by the front and I go through and open up the front door for them. When was the last time you walked into a home via the side or back door and thought, "Wow! What a showplace!" ? But, I don't know if other agents do that or not. I decided not to take any chances. First impressions are so important!

As soon as I finished taking photographs, I promptly moved the lockbox to the front door. Wouldn't you know, the very next day, an agent came through with some buyers, they loved it and we finalized negotiations three days later!

I would love to claim that it was our brilliant marketing that sold this home but, I didn't even have time to make a flyer, create a virtual tour or make a single call!! Those people fell in love with the house right when they walked in and sow the gorgeous (faux!) fireplace and by the time they got to the steps that looked a bit worn and shabby, they didn't care because they were already sold! I am certain that moving the lockbox was the last little piece of the puzzle.

If your home is currently on the market, go ahead and give yourself a "tour" and make sure your home is giving all the buyers that go through it the best possible first impression.