If you've decided to put your home on the market, one important thing to keep in mind is that perception is everything -- or close to it, anyway!
The impression you make on prospective buyers can either help seal the deal or break it, depending on whether that impression is positive or negative.
The visual aspects of your home often have the strongest impact on what prospects think of your house, but three other senses can also influence buyer decisions.
The sense of smell: Without getting too specific, there are a variety of unpleasant odors that can quickly sour a prospect on the possibility of making an offer on your home. In many cases, there's justification for a sudden loss of interest. A musty smelling basement, crawlspace, or attic, for example, implies problems with water seepage, plumbing leaks, or mold. That musty odor is unpleasant and gives buyers the (accurate) impression that there are air quality issues in the house.
Pet odors can be another major turnoff, especially if the people touring your home have allergies or sensitivity to certain odors. Strong or artificial odors of any kind, including room deodorizers, overuse of commercial cleaning solutions, and scented garbage bags can also be objectionable and suggest that you're trying to cover up odors.
On the other hand, you've probably heard stories about home sellers and agents who create pleasing fragrances by brewing a fresh pot of coffee, baking a loaf of aromatic bread, or preparing a fresh batch of blueberry muffins or chocolate chip cookies shortly before a house tour is scheduled. While it may be impractical to do that every time, it is a strategy worth experimenting with! The simple act of infusing your kitchen with enticing aromas can help make your home more attractive, inviting, and appealing. Fresh flowers are another nice touch that can enhance the ambiance of your home.
The sense of touch: Probably the main thing you would want to avoid in this category would be allowing countertops or floors to feel sticky, gritty, or wet to the touch! Many people will take notice of how clean (or unclean) your house looks, smells, and feels, and they will undoubtedly deduct "points" if countertops, bathroom fixtures, and floors aren't immaculate. Perfection is not necessary, but the appearance of cleanliness is! As mentioned earlier: Perception is everything!
The sense of hearing: Some noises you can fix; others are beyond your control. Squeaky hinges and dripping faucets are a relatively easy fix, while street noises, barking dogs, and loud neighbors are much more difficult -- if not impossible -- to regulate!
The bottom line, of course, is to control what you can, put your best foot forward, and hope for the best when it comes to noises in the neighborhood!
Buying and selling real estate isn't a do-it-yourself endeavor. You need a home pricing expert, a skilled negotiator, and someone who's been trained and inspired by the best in the business. With over 30 years of experience in both real estate and the customer service industries, Nicki truly puts her clients first.
While the Binghamton area was where she was born and raised, she knew the Capital Region was the perfect place to raise her 2 sons. Since travel sports were a large part of their lives, there isn't a town from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties she isn't familiar with.
Her core values in her commitment to her clients are integrity, hard work, and specialized attention to every aspect of the home buying process. She prides herself in being an innovative thinker, coming up with creative and practical solutions for her clients. Whether you are buying your first home, ready to expand, or downsizing she would love to help you reach your real estate goals! Welcome Nicki!
