Showing your home--- Is it like DATING?

By: RE/MAX Complete

DRESS UP YOUR HOME WHEN SHOWING IT!

Article by:  Steve Perry in Deseret News.com  May 14,2011

We came across a great article in the Deseret News on May 14, 2011.   This article was written by Steve Perry, a principle broker.   We though you would enjoy his insight on how showing your own compares to going on a date!

*Photo Heyuguys.co.uk*

Home buying, it turns out, isn't all that dissimilar from dating.

If a potential buyer notices that your home is good looking on the outside, chances are they'll stick around long enough to see what's on the inside.

Think of your landscaping then as makeup, or nice clothing.  Dressing the part goes a long way toward making a house--or person, I suppose--attractive to anyone.  Part of that is good landscaping.

Green grass, fresh mulch and vibrant colors can bring buyers closer to the front door.  And then your updated appliances, new bathroom or smart layout can help seal the deal.

Often homeowners focus on interior accouterments like big home theaters, super-sized garages or multiple laundry rooms as big selling points and forget that the first impression your home will make is generally the one that buyers will see walking up to the front door.

It's a clever game they're playing, and you can score big if you know how to gussy up your outward appearance.

Trim bushes, maintain driveways and pick weeds.  

*Photo by Buzzle.com*

All of these seem to be no-brainers when it comes to keeping up your home, but how many times did you go out on a date and forget to brush your teeth?   It's the little things that can make a big difference.

And remember also to pay attention to the backyard as well.

If the kitchen is where friends visit first, then the backyard is where friends stay for a while.

Outdoor amenities help buyers visualize what life will be like in their new home--your home.

It's true that outdoor swimming pools and spas can be tricky when it comes to reselling, so it's best to consult US even if you're not selling your home to see if that makes sense for your price range and neighborhood.

*Photo by Prince William County of Virginia *

But adding a brick barbecue and other backyard fixtures could greatly enhance a home's appeal to prospective buyers.

* Photo Marathon Masonry *

Outdoor lighting too can help attract buyers to your home in addition to providing safety and comfort to your outdoor spaces.

When adding, taking away, or enhancing your yards, key in on architectural features of your home.

What would enhance the home rather than feel disconnected?  What's a smart investment for my neighborhood?  What kind of return can I expect when it comes time to sell?

All of these are good questions for a real estate expert to answer.

Making your home look good on the outside isn't nearly as complicated as dating, but it requires just as much preparation.