The One Chance a Charleston, SC House for Sale Can Count On

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

It’s a saying that job applicants (at least the successful ones) take to heart. It’s why a lot of serious primping goes on before a blind date. It’s why movie directors spend as much time as it takes to light and prepare the first shot that will introduce their lead actress. And if you’re going to have a house for sale in Charleston, SC this summer, it’s why it’s worth it to take pains to make its first impression as strong as possible.

Making any Charleston house for sale’s debut a success doesn’t have to break your back or your bank account. Here are some simple, affordable projects that can be done in a single weekend:

Update Exterior Lighting

For prospective buyers whose first look at your house for sale comes in an evening drive-by, exterior lighting plays a leading role. If your lighting setup is more than ten years old, you may be able to do a quick transformation by replacing outdated fixtures with stylish new ones. If twilight showings are likely, consider adding a lighted path from driveway to door.

Warm Up the Front Porch

There’s an emotional component that goes into making a house for sale—one that’s truly “inviting.” Often, the key factor is whether prospective buyers can easily picture themselves and their family enjoying an afternoon or evening in the place. Think about whether investing in a few pieces of attractive, comfortable-looking outdoor furniture you could place on the front porch (or other outdoor space) could help buyers picture themselves enjoying a leisurely after-dinner conversation…and whether a comfy indoor/outdoor rug and some outdoor decorative pillows might complete the picture.

Invest in Simple Landscaping

Even just a few flower pots or window planters will invariably work to cheer up an otherwise ‘just okay’ exterior. When a prospective Charleston, SC buyer drives up to a house for sale, a few large pots along the driveway and/or porch—sometimes with the addition of a couple of inexpensive window boxes—can make a real difference. Fill them with easy-to-care-for annuals like marigolds, petunias, or impatiens. Don’t freely mix colors in any one box or pot: that can mute the cheerful effect that a solid mass of yellow, pink or red conveys.

Trim Up!

You don’t necessarily have to paint the whole exterior before you list your house for sale—but it is a good idea to spruce it up by painting (or replacing) the front door, shutters, and trim. It’s a quick, affordable way to give the entire house a facelift without spending tons on painters and paint!

Mothball the Mailbox

Potential buyers may be searching for the address, so a mailbox with old, peeling house numbers can sabotage an entire showing. A new mailbox with bright, shiny numbers will waylay that possibility. For brick mailboxes, just replace the old house numbers and flag.

If you are thinking of listing your house for sale in Charleston,SC, July is prime time to start the ball rolling. Call me today to discuss your pre-marketing plan—we’ll develop one that’s designed to fetch top dollar for your property!

Interested in selling your Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
Interested in buying a Charleston area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com

-Jeff Cook

Jeff Cook Real Estate

Charleston, SC