Knowing where the lockbox is going is important. Learn why.
As a professional home stager in Atlanta, one of the very first questions I'll ask the real estate agent is where the lockbox to the home is going to be located.
That single question can make a significant difference. It's a question that all home sellers should be asking their real estate agent.
Why is that question important? It's where the agents who bring the buyers to see your home will be entering. If you're use to entering your home via a side entrance, it's likely not going to be the point of entry into your home when the agents show it. Instead, 9 times out of 10, it will be the front door.
With "first impressions" being everything (in fact, buyers will be forming opinions in the first few seconds) you want to dress to impress from the exterior to the interior.
Here are some tips:
For the exterior:
- Add pots of flowers, or in the winter, add winter greenery such as juniper or spruce
- Paint the front door
- Change the hardware such as the handle and the knocker
- Ensure the door bell is in working condition
- Sweep
For the interior:
- Add a mirror or artwork
- Use a stand (for keys and sunglasses)
- Add greenery (nothing better than bringing some of the outdoors inside)
- Position a rug right at the front door
- Add a container for umbrellas
These small and inexpensive changes can make a world of difference when selling your home.
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A Real Estate Staging Association Finalist for Professional Stager of the Year 2010, Kathy Nielsen understands what it takes to help sell homes quickly. Considered an expert within the home staging industry, and having years of experience, Kathy makes the perfect choice for preparing your home for the market in the Atlanta area.
Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
Thanks, Kathy - good question! Julie
Great point. I hate it when the lockbox is on the back door and you enter through the kitchen...not a good first impression.
Kathy,
I completely agree. In reality the homeowner may use a different door to enter a property but buyers should be entering into the property through the front door and attention should be paid to that.
Great tips Kathy! Those first 10 seconds are powerful.
I think it is distasteful to dangle a lockbox on the front door of most listings. We put them on the service door of the garage !!!!