“You never get a
second chance to make a first impression.”
It’s a saying that job applicants (at least the successful
ones) take to heart. It’s why a lot of serious primping goes on before a blind
date. It’s why movie directors spend as much time as it takes to light and
prepare the first shot that will introduce their lead actress. And if you’re
going to have a house for sale in Metairie or New Orleans this summer, it’s why it’s worth it to take pains to make
its first impression as strong as
possible.
Making any Metairie or New Orleans house for sale’s debut
a success doesn’t have to break your back or your bank account. Here are some
simple, affordable projects that can be done in a single weekend:
Update Exterior Lighting
For prospective buyers whose first look at your house for
sale comes in an evening drive-by, exterior lighting plays a leading role. If
your lighting setup is more than ten years old, you may be able to do a quick
transformation by replacing outdated fixtures with stylish new ones. If
twilight showings are likely, consider adding a lighted path from driveway to
door.
Warm Up the Front Porch
There’s an emotional component that goes into making a
house for sale—one that’s truly “inviting.” Often, the key factor is whether
prospective buyers can easily picture themselves and their family enjoying an afternoon
or evening in the place. Think about whether investing in a few pieces of
attractive, comfortable-looking outdoor furniture you could place on the front
porch (or other outdoor space) could help buyers picture themselves enjoying a leisurely
after-dinner conversation…and whether a comfy indoor/outdoor rug and some
outdoor decorative pillows might complete the picture.
Invest in Simple Landscaping
Even just a few flower pots or window planters will
invariably work to cheer up an otherwise ‘just okay’ exterior. When a
prospective Metairie or New Orleans buyer drives up to a house for sale, a few
large pots along the driveway and/or porch—sometimes with the addition of a
couple of inexpensive window boxes—can make a real difference. Fill them with
easy-to-care-for annuals like marigolds, petunias, or impatiens. Don’t freely
mix colors in any one box or pot: that can mute the cheerful effect that a
solid mass of yellow, pink or red conveys.
Trim Up!
You don’t necessarily have to paint the whole exterior before
you list your house for sale—but it is a good idea to spruce it up by painting
(or replacing) the front door, shutters, and trim. It’s a quick, affordable way
to give the entire house a facelift without spending tons on painters and paint!
Mothball the Mailbox
Potential buyers may be searching for the address, so a
mailbox with old, peeling house numbers can sabotage an entire showing. A new
mailbox with bright, shiny numbers will waylay that possibility. For brick
mailboxes, just replace the old house numbers and flag.
If you are thinking of listing your house for sale in
Metairie or New Orleans, July
is prime time to start the ball rolling. Call me today to discuss your
pre-marketing plan—we’ll develop one that’s designed to fetch top dollar for
your property!
Terez Harris NOLA Real Estate Group
(504)297-2619
www.TerezHarris.com
TerezHarris@kw.com
Search the MLS!
(multiple listing service)
Search Terez's Active Listings!
TerezHarris@kw.com
Search the MLS!
(multiple listing service)
Search Terez's Active Listings!
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Each office independently owned and operated. All brokers licensed in the state of Louisiana.
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