First impressions count - effective tips for selling a house

The house has to go, no matter what? This is not advisable - it is worth taking a closer look at the external appearance. First impressions or gut feelings often count when making a purchase decision. If something is conspicuously annoying or there are noticeable defects at first glance, potential buyers are unsure or unable to think these things away. "Buyers often have little imagination or misjudge costs," says Andreas Güthling from Poll Immobilien Potsdam. Sometimes even small things can be decisive for a NO. Here are a few tips from the real estate expert.

Prefer tidy instead of wild

A well-kept property pays off when selling a house, as this also suggests that the property is in good condition. A mossy driveway or an overgrown garden, on the other hand, can dampen the initial enthusiasm of buyers. A dilapidated garden fence, cables hanging around or broken guttering are also things that can be a bad start to a house viewing.

Tip: The first steps up to the front door convey the feeling with which the rest is viewed. Your home should give a solid impression, even if it has been around for a few years. Employing a gardener or clearing paths and terraces has a positive effect, not least on the achievable purchase price.

Through the eyes of the buyer

It's the little things that catch our eye as estate agents and that we also see reflected after viewings. The neglected letterbox or the broken doorbell, the missing stone in the driveway or the jammed front door - all little things that make a bad impression but can be quickly rectified in advance. By the way: If the Kärcher is already in use, the roof will also be happy about a fresh shower. If the house shines, the hearts of prospective buyers will beat faster.

Tip: Take a critical look at your property and don't save money in the wrong place. Small repairs and refreshments often pay for themselves. If you can't handle things yourself, ask your estate agent, who often has a large, trustworthy network of experts.

Little things that change everything

The windows are the eyes of the house - cloudy glass affects the view from the outside and the view from the inside. Even if cleaning windows and refreshing wooden frames is often not one of your favorite tasks, it can be worthwhile. Wooden windows or even shutters have a special charm. If the window glass and frames look tidy, the "fall in love" factor increases enormously.

Tip: Emotional factors score highly with prospective buyers. The real estate market is currently a buyer's market - lots of offers, few interested parties. Those who want to (and can) buy have a choice. Presenting your home in such a way that it stands out from the crowd can have a positive effect - on the speed of sale and the price achieved.