Showing Your Home To Buyers: 3 Things That Will Turn Buyers Off Before They Get To Your Door
When people look for a new home, they usually start online or with one of the many popular real estate apps. If they like what they see online, they might drive by to see what your house looks like in person. If they don't like what they see, they keep on driving to the next home in their list. Why is this trend important? If your home doesn't present well, you might not get many showings, if you get any at all. Following are three things that will turn buyers off before they get to your door.
Cluttered Yard
With the exception of a few pieces of tasteful furnishings, buyers do not want to see anything in your yard or on your porch. If you have old car parts, unused lumber, multiple storage sheds or dozens of kid's toys, buyers will start to worry about what the inside of your house looks like. To pique buyers' interest when they see your listing, make sure that your yard looks neat and tidy.
Dingy Paint Job
A dirty, sooty exterior can make your house look old and sorry. While the dirt might easily wash off, interested buyers won't take the time to imagine your house in a clean state. They will simply think it's worn down and in need of serious repair. To make sure your house look its best in online photos, be sure to have your home professionally pressure washed. A good washing will set you back just a little under $300, which is well worth it if it gets buyers in the door.
If your exterior can't be salvaged with a pressure wash, think about painting it. An exterior paint job may cost you a few thousand dollars, but it will attract more buyers. What's more, a new paint job has a return on investment of 141 percent.
No Landscaping
A house without landscaping looks barren and void of character and charm. So you should always do a little bit of yard work before you take pictures of your house for an online listing. Landscaping is one of the least expensive ways to make your house look warm and inviting. Plan on spending approximately 5 to 10 percent of your home's worth on a professional landscaping job.
While you're home might be gorgeous on the inside, buyers won't ever get to see it if they don't get pulled in by your online photos. The exterior of your home is basically your home's packaging. Don't be afraid to put a little money into marketing your home with an exterior face-lift.