Helena Talbot's blog - Making A Good First Impression

Now that you have your home listed for sale, it is time to think about showing your home to potential buyers.   You have cleaned and organized everything in anticipation of listing your home but have you thought about the little things that could increase the value of your home?

You only have one chance to make a good first impression.  But what does that mean.  Your house is clean and organized so what else is there?

You never know what a buyer will be looking at and sometimes it is the small things that can really make a difference.

1.  Make sure you have a family plan of daily chores that will need to be taken care of once you receive notice that your realtor has scheduled a showing.  Shoes off the floor, wipe down the countertops, a quick scrub of the toilets, tubs etc.

2.  Keep your lawn mowed and neatly maintained.  Including leaves, trash that has blown into your yard or bushes, if it is trash day-pick up the cans and/or move the trash to a different location, straighten your lawn furniture, remove any signs of a pet-such as toys, water bowls etc.

3.  Buy a new Welcome mat for your front door

4.  Dress up your front porch with a nice potted plant or some colorful flowers

5.  Paint your front door and your garage door

6.  Remove all toys, bikes, skateboards etc. away from the outside of your home

7.  Clean all of your windows inside and out - otherwise you might find your potential buyers asking you to replace the windows

8.  Install a new doorknob on your front door

9.  Repair any loose shingles and repair and paint your gutters

10. Hang fresh clean towels in your bathroom

11.  Add some fresh flowers to your table

12.  Replace any burned out light bulbs

It's very easy to complete the little things that add a good first impression to your home.  Things that show you care will reflect in the buyers mind as pride of ownership which in turn will raise your homes perceived value.

Talk to your realtor about other tips and tricks you can use to increase the perceived value of your home.  Your realtor will be more than happy to help you do anything they can to help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.