If you want top dollar, and you want buyers to be interested in your lake (or any) home, it needs to be shown in its best light. A good first impression will influence a buyer both emotionally and visually, thus prompting them to make an offer. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price. This is true in any market, but especially for vacation home buyers in the Poconos.
A bad first impression can definitely dissuade a potential buyer, including buyers looking for lakefront and vacation homes around Lake Wallenpaupack and Lake Ariel. When buying a vacation or second home, buyers are less likely to want a fixer-upper, unless they can get it at a great bargain.
Buyers often assume that poorly maintained homes will probably have many other issues beyond the cosmetic ones; logic would dictate that the owners have neglected important parts of the home as well as the cosmetic.
More than once, I have had buyers pass on homes in The Hideout or Hemlock Farms if the yards were overgrown or full of dead leaves and tree debris, the siding was in need of a good power washing or fresh coat of stain, gutters masquerading as rooftop gardens, trash laying around, a roof covered with moss, etc.
Sometimes it’s hard to “see” what you’ve grown accustomed to. Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents like me who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done to make your home shine among the competition. What you need are objective opinions, and it’s sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.
Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:
- Landscaping – Has the front yard been maintained? Are the areas of the house that are visible to the street in good condition?
- Driveway – Is your driveway cluttered with trash, old junk cars or lawnmowers, or other debris? Are weeds taking over? Does it need to be resealed, or does it need a fresh load of gravel?
- Painting – Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of? Does your deck need to be pressure washed and stained?
- Carpeting – Does the carpet look old and dirty? Does it smell of pets, mildew, or smoke?
- Windows – are they clean or are they grimy? How about the windowsills and tracks? Are screens damaged?
If your basic home maintenance has been neglected for some time, expect buyers to offer less.
If you’re interested in finding out what your home may be worth call or text me at 570.647.5170, or contact me here.
