🐾 HARLEY’S HOME SELLING TIPS #14 YOUR SHOWING STARTS BEFORE BUYERS OPEN THE DOOR

Hey humans, Harley here. 🐾

Today we need to go outside.

Sellers spend a lot of time worrying about kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, paint and everything buyers will see once they walk through the front door.

But there’s one little problem…

Buyers start judging your home BEFORE they ever get inside.

Yep.

I said it.

Your showing may actually begin at the curb.

🏡 FIRST IMPRESSIONS START OUTSIDE

Think about what buyers see when they pull up.

The lawn.

Landscaping.

Driveway.

Walkway.

Front porch.

Exterior paint.

Gutters.

Garage door.

And especially…

The front door.

Buyers are already forming an opinion while their agent is getting them inside.

You want that first thought to be:

“Wow. This looks well cared for.”

Not:

“Uh-oh…what else needs work?”

🌿 YOU DON’T NEED A LANDSCAPING MAKEOVER

Good news.

Improving curb appeal doesn’t necessarily mean spending thousands of dollars.

Sometimes the biggest improvements are surprisingly simple:

✔ Mow and edge the lawn

✔ Trim overgrown shrubs

✔ Pull weeds

✔ Remove dead plants

✔ Sweep sidewalks and porches

✔ Clean the gutters

✔ Pressure wash dirty surfaces when appropriate

✔ Put away hoses, tools and toys

✔ Add fresh bark or mulch where needed

✔ Clean exterior light fixtures

✔ Make sure your house numbers are easy to see

Small improvements can completely change how the property feels when someone arrives.

🚪 PAY ATTENTION TO THE FRONT DOOR

This one deserves special attention.

Buyers may spend more time standing at your front door than you realize.

Their agent is opening the lockbox.

Unlocking the door.

Getting everyone inside.

And what are the buyers doing?

LOOKING AROUND.

They’re noticing the door.

The porch.

Cobwebs.

Peeling paint.

Dirty windows.

Old doormats.

Burned-out porch lights.

Everything.

That little area is one of the easiest places to make a strong impression.

Clean it.

Make it inviting.

And give buyers a reason to be excited about what’s on the other side.

🌸 A LITTLE COLOR CAN GO A LONG WAY

Depending on the season, a couple of tasteful plants or flowers near the entrance can make a home feel more welcoming.

But don’t go crazy.

We’re selling the house.

Not opening a botanical garden.

Keep it clean, simple and intentional.

💡 DON’T FORGET EVENING SHOWINGS

If buyers may see your home later in the day, check your exterior lighting.

Walkway lights.

Porch lights.

Address lighting.

Driveway lighting.

Good exterior lighting can improve presentation and help visitors safely find their way to the entrance.

🐕 HARLEY’S CURB TEST

Here’s an easy trick.

Walk across the street.

Turn around.

And really look at your house.

Pretend you’ve never seen it before.

What catches your eye?

Now walk toward the front door like you’re a buyer.

Look down.

Look up.

Look around.

You may notice things you’ve walked past every day without seeing anymore.

And if you really want an expert inspection…

Bring a Schnauzer.

We notice everything.

Especially squirrels.

🐾 HARLEY’S FINAL THOUGHT

You can have a gorgeous kitchen.

A beautiful primary suite.

And an incredible backyard.

But before buyers see any of it…

You have to get them excited about walking through the front door.

Curb appeal isn’t about having the fanciest house on the street.

It’s about showing buyers from the moment they arrive that your home has been cared for.

Because your first showing doesn’t begin in the living room.

It begins at the curb.

That’s dog logic.

And dog logic is usually pretty solid.

🐾 Harley Knows The Way Home

Stephen Burright and Harley Too
360-261-2062
Century 21 Northstar

Serving Washington & Oregon

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