Realtor - Josh Taylor, RE/MAX, Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City,TN, VA, TriCitiesAgent.com

First impressions are not just for people, they are just as important when you are trying to sell your house. You want your potential buyer to walk away with a good impression. There are several easy, quick and low cost things you can do to increase your chances of getting your asking price and selling quickly. When people make an investment commitment as big as a house, they can be picky, and seek perfection. You can be proactive and make it an enjoyable experience by being ready.

• If you are showing in the spring or summer make sure to have the lawn and landscaping looking nice. Mowing the lawn, pruning and weeding cost nothing, but can make a big difference by looking kept up and cared for. Most people assume that if you take care of the yard, chances are, you take care of the house.

• Making sure that there is no chipped paint can make a big difference too. If your house was built before 1978, there is a new federal law that requires the seller to complete a lead base paint disclosure statement. Be proactive in this area as well. Have the inspection done beforehand, it looks good to the prospective buyer, and it saves time.
• Really clean your house before you show it. It’s simple and free, and it can make all the difference in the world. Cleaning windows inside and out can be one step that people forget, but after the winter months, it’s imperative to make the house look as clean as possible. The bathroom is another area where people seem to make judgments, so make sure your bathrooms are spotless!
• Set an ambiance. Studies have shown that soothing smells in the house can help make a house seem more like a home. Like baking cookies, cakes or pies, and even spaghetti. People like to be reminded of good memories, and cooking and baking has shown to do that. Also think about playing some soft background music and light candles if you are present when the buyers are viewing your house. This makes the place seem cozy and inviting. Small little touches can make all the difference on attracting a buyer!