I once listed a place where the "Welcome" mat said "Go Away" and the front window had a "Protected by Smith and Wesson" decal. Regardless of my advice to get rid of these threatening phrases from view, the owner maintained on leaving them there, and told me to "lighten up" and "get a sense of humor." The house didn't sell, the bloke still lives there and the "unwelcome" mat and Smith & Wesson window sticker are still in full view when you visit his Rockledge FL real estate property.
I am sure he gets a laugh out of it every time he comes home, as did, I'm similarly sure, a lot of the prospective customers who crossed the threshold. But who knows, perhaps the end result would've been different if he'd selected different words of welcome. You only have one opportunity to create a first impression, as the old saying goes, so part of my standard listing routine is to stage-manage that first impression, and step one in that process is for me to tug into the drive and pretend I'm a buyer visiting the house for the 1st time.
On one level, this mental exercise involves the broad brush impression of the landscaping, the condition of the driveway, and the general building exterior. But in the close-up range, what's the purchaser having a look at while standing on the front steps as the showing agent fumbles with the key. Or standing in the front hall while everyone takes their shoes off. How many imperative seconds tick away as the buyer absorbs and responds to each little detail of this front porch or entrance or entryway? Stand in these spots for a minute and see what draws your eye. Look closely at what the purchaser will see.
How long would you need to stare at a "Go Away" doormat, for instance, before the words themselves create an unwelcoming impression? How long before the threatening tone of the "Smith & Wesson" window sticker begins to take hold? So get shot of those, of course, but do not stop at only removing items that have negative connotations. Replace them with things that broadcast a positive welcoming message.
And the message does not have to be words. In fact , as you know, "a picture's worth 1000 words." An image can frequently convey a symbolic or perhaps subliminal message better than a slogan or "Welcome" sign. And it's a more delicate way to claim "buy this house" than a wall-sized banner that announces "Buy This House!"
The pineapple is the world symbol of hospitality, welcoming visitors to your door. In colonial times, pineapples were even introduced into the main points of the architecture and furnishings, perhaps as finials on entrance gateways and newel posts, or carved into mantelpieces or bedposts. While a three-dimensional pineapple will definitely convey the welcome message, an easy painted sign or plaque will do. Look for pineapple signs at local craft carnivals, perhaps in the shape of paintings on slate or wood, or even a framed embroidery.
Or search out a door sign that contains both an image and a worded message. Perhaps a picture of a conventional red roofed house, smoke leaving the chimney, with the caption "Home Sweet Home" or "Welcome." Or simply put down a welcome mat that truly says "Welcome." Aren't any of these more inviting than signage that conveys the message, "Don't even set foot within or else I'd shoot you"?
I am sure he gets a laugh out of it every time he comes home, as did, I'm similarly sure, a lot of the prospective customers who crossed the threshold. But who knows, perhaps the end result would've been different if he'd selected different words of welcome. You only have one opportunity to create a first impression, as the old saying goes, so part of my standard listing routine is to stage-manage that first impression, and step one in that process is for me to tug into the drive and pretend I'm a buyer visiting the house for the 1st time.
On one level, this mental exercise involves the broad brush impression of the landscaping, the condition of the driveway, and the general building exterior. But in the close-up range, what's the purchaser having a look at while standing on the front steps as the showing agent fumbles with the key. Or standing in the front hall while everyone takes their shoes off. How many imperative seconds tick away as the buyer absorbs and responds to each little detail of this front porch or entrance or entryway? Stand in these spots for a minute and see what draws your eye. Look closely at what the purchaser will see.
How long would you need to stare at a "Go Away" doormat, for instance, before the words themselves create an unwelcoming impression? How long before the threatening tone of the "Smith & Wesson" window sticker begins to take hold? So get shot of those, of course, but do not stop at only removing items that have negative connotations. Replace them with things that broadcast a positive welcoming message.
And the message does not have to be words. In fact , as you know, "a picture's worth 1000 words." An image can frequently convey a symbolic or perhaps subliminal message better than a slogan or "Welcome" sign. And it's a more delicate way to claim "buy this house" than a wall-sized banner that announces "Buy This House!"
The pineapple is the world symbol of hospitality, welcoming visitors to your door. In colonial times, pineapples were even introduced into the main points of the architecture and furnishings, perhaps as finials on entrance gateways and newel posts, or carved into mantelpieces or bedposts. While a three-dimensional pineapple will definitely convey the welcome message, an easy painted sign or plaque will do. Look for pineapple signs at local craft carnivals, perhaps in the shape of paintings on slate or wood, or even a framed embroidery.
Or search out a door sign that contains both an image and a worded message. Perhaps a picture of a conventional red roofed house, smoke leaving the chimney, with the caption "Home Sweet Home" or "Welcome." Or simply put down a welcome mat that truly says "Welcome." Aren't any of these more inviting than signage that conveys the message, "Don't even set foot within or else I'd shoot you"?
About the Author:
Article supplied by Kobe Jay Paul a Satellite Beach real estate agent. If you want to discover more about selling a home, you can check out Kobe's Port St John real estate internet site.
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