What a Phenomenal Seller Looks Like...

By
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

It doesn't take much to make a good first impression, right? A little effort can go a long way, regardless of the situation. 

Today my buyer client saw her new home "in person" for the very first time.  

We went under contract about five weeks ago. Since the purchaser lived several states away, we did a video conference during my initial showing appointment.

The house was stunning. It was obvious the seller took excellent care of this home, and it had a warm, happy feel.

Although the home had multiple offers, we were the successful bidders and went under contract.

Sold in Brandon Stoneybrook

The buyer was naturally nervous to buy a home sight unseen, but when we walked through the front door of her new home today, all fears dissipated. 

The first thing I noticed was a pleasant clean scent. The hardwood floors were gleaming, the carpets in the bedroom were spotless and obviously professionally cleaned. Not only did the seller think to leave a full roll of toilet paper in each bathroom as a courtesy, she left small hand towels in each bathroom plus a fresh bottle of hand soap as well.

In the kitchen was a new roll of paper towels and a clean unused trash can liner. Again, everything was spotless.  In one of the upper cabinets were the appliance manuals along with some unused shelf paper and some labeled spare hardware. 

The garage was immaculate. The seller left the garage remote in plain sight for the buyer's convenience. 

All lights worked, the air conditioner was left at a comfortable setting, and I didn't see a single dust bunny. The yard was freshly mowed as requested, and the one repair we asked for had been completed.

It doesn't take a lot to make a good first impression. As it was, the buyer was seeing her home FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. The seller didn't know that; however, she took a few extra steps and turned this "routine walk-through" into a positive experience for both the purchaser and this Realtor.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish all clients, both buyers and sellers, were as cooperative and selfless as these two were. Our jobs as Realtors would be much easier.

Comments (10)

Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Pat,

Congratulations to you and your buyer for closing! First impressions do matter and so glad your buyer was happy when seeing the home for the first time sans closing!

Sep 26, 2023 04:33 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty

Thanks Dorie Dillard Austin TX It is a beautiful home and the buyer was fortunate to go under contract on this property.

Sep 26, 2023 06:38 PM
Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

You were most fortunate to have a perfect buyer and with the age of electronics, it would not have been a truly blind purchase.

Sep 26, 2023 06:26 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754 thank goodness for video chats or we would have missed out on this home.

Sep 26, 2023 06:40 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

First impressions can have lasting results.  Congratulations on the sale of this home.  I wish you continued success in the future.

Sep 26, 2023 08:29 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty  I have sold to many international clients homes quote unquote sight unseen, the reality was I was doing videos, walking from the driveway to every part of the home... and it took more market analysis than normally for the person out of area and out of country..... then I needed to drive around and more videos.... not the easiest sale in town.... So with that said I get it and Congratulations to you and your buyer, Endre

Sep 26, 2023 10:13 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Pat, when a seller goes all out, and does all these things, they are bound to reap the dollars, and deserve it.  Congrats to your buyers!

Sep 27, 2023 12:39 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Sep 27, 2023 04:11 AM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

How wonderful! It's great when a seller goes above and beyond for the new home owners.

Sep 27, 2023 05:23 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Pat... it really doesn't take all that much to make a great first impression. I've learned to say no to listings when I sense a seller won't work with me to get their home in tip-top shape.

Sep 27, 2023 05:31 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Pat I'm so glad to hear this story!  This is how we taught our sellers to leave their homes for the new buyers.  Buyers are always so appreciative!  It's all those little touches that make it a 'feel good moment and home'.  Congratulations!!

Sep 27, 2023 05:14 PM