Get those buyers out of the car!

Help: I can't get people out of their cars!

I have this great listing.  It is 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and priced really well.  The pictures look great and we are getting tons of showings.  The big problem is when people pull up to the home they immediately rule it out and keep on driving to their next appointment!  It has frustrated my sellers and has made me think,

"HOW MUCH DOES CURB APPEAL COUNT?"

When preparing a home to sell, it is important to pay just as much attention to the outside of the home as well as the inside.  Remember, you have to get these buyers out of their car before they will buy your home!  Heather Giebels of Metropolitan Construction and Design recommends when staging a home, review the outside for the following:

•  Trim and House Paint- Is your paint peeling and chipping or does it look clean and fresh
• Windows- Don't forget to clean them inside and out . Make them shine!
•  Decks, Porches, and Patios- Are they secure and clean? Are there any tripping hazards?
•  Roofs and gutters- Are there any missing shingles?  Have the gutters been cleaned out?
•  Landscaping- Mow, edge, weed, and plant some seasonal flowers.  Some new mulch is a must! Many people envision themselves using a yard, so lets show them this house has one!
•  Fencing- Are there any missing boards?  Is it leaning over?
•  Clutter and storage- Remove all debris and stored materials from around the house including behind the garage. 
•  Garage & Driveway- Clean the garage, pressure wash the garage and driveway and show that the garage can actually hold cars!

For more information on preparing your home to sell outside and in, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. 

Steven Kleiman is CEO and Founder of Houston based Oakington Realty, which specializes in “Inner Loop” homes as well as urban-in-fill properties, working with buyers, sellers, developers and homebuilders. Steven is a member of the National, Texas and Houston Association(s) of Realtors®. Readers comments welcome at 713-875-9040 or steven@oakingtonrealty.com. Follow Steven on Twitter at https://twitter.com/StevenTXRealtor.