You Don't Have a Second Chance to Make a Good First Impression
    Have you ever gone to a new subdivision where there is new construction everywhere? Just about all of these new subdivisions have one or many model homes at the entrance for you to see what the builder’s floor plans are like. Have you noticed that these model homes are decorated just perfectly and there is no clutter anywhere and it is mostly “generic” in the decor?

    There is a reason for all of that, of course. The builders don’t want you to just see the floor plan and if it works for you, they want to appeal to your senses and emotions as well, and for you to place you and your furniture in their home. They do this because it psychologically binds you to their home and you have a much greater possibility of buying it.

    So, what do model homes have to do with your home? Plenty. When prospective buyers come to your house, they should not feel like they are coming into someone else’s home. From the curb to the backyard, it should be generic, neat and clean. I have found that my listings that have the “show room” mentality when listing their homes generally sell their home much quicker and for more money. People look at the home’s appearance and relate it to the overall condition of the home, be it true or not true. If your house has the “lived in” look, it will not get a second look, maybe not even much of a first look!

    Buyer’s generally only spend 10 to 15 minutes in a home the first time through. That is, if they aren't totally thrown for a loop on the drive up. You only have a very small window to impress them and get to the short list and get them back for a second and longer look.

    This is where Complete Realty is here to help you stage your home to show well from the beginning. We work with many buyers and have seen what “flips their switch” when they walk into a house and know when "This house is going to be Their home".
    Together, we can make your home have the “best” first impression of all of the homes that the prospective buyers see, and therefore, have your home make it to the short list and hopefully number one!
    In today's age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. Here are small investments in time, money and effort that will give your home a solid advantage over competing properties.
Create A Buying Mood:
            - Turn on lights
            - Turn on air conditioner/heater
            - Open the drapes
            - Light the fireplace
Exterior Appearance:
            - Keep lawns cut
            - Trim hedges and shrubs
            - Weed and edge gardens
            - Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
            - Clean out garage
            - Touch up paint
            - Make repairs where needed
Create Space:
            - Clear halls and stairs of clutter
            - Store surplus furniture
            - Clear kitchen counter and stove top
            - Clear closets of unnecessary clothing
            - Remove empty boxes and containers
Maintenance:
            - Repair leaking taps and toilets
            - Clean furnace and filters
            - Tighten door knobs and latches
            - Repair cracked plaster
            - Touch up paint
            - Clean and repair windows
            - Repair seals around tubs and basins
            - Replace defective light bulbs
            - Oil squeaking doors
            - Repair squeaking floor boards
Squeaky Clean:
            - Clean and freshen bathrooms
            - Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
            - Clean around heating vents
            - Clean washer and dryer
            - Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
At The Front Door:
            - Clean porch and foyer
            - Ensure door bell works
            - Repair screen on door
            - Fresh paint or varnish front door
            - Repair door locks and key access