First impressions mean everything, and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

As we enter the spring real estate market season, sellers have to make every effort to make a great lasting first impression to potential buyers. According to Zillow.com; number 6 on the “Top 10 Things Before You List Your Home” is to make walls as “neutral” as possible. They also state that homes that are “clean and have an up-to-date color make a huge impression”.

This goes for bathtubs, tile and countertops as well. An outdated bathroom or kitchen can make a potential buyer cross “your house” off of the list, even if the rest of the home has been updated. According to www.realestatetidbits.com: “Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell Homes”.

Refinishing is the most economical and fastest way to update any bathroom or kitchen. Typically in one day a bathroom can go from old 70’s yellow, blue or pink to a beautiful high-gloss neutral color, such as white, bone or biscuit. Old cultured marble vanity tops or laminate kitchen countertops can be rejuvenated and brought into the 21st century with a resilient stone finish. The impact is immediate and cost effective.

All of this, of course, should be completed before putting a house on the market. Giving a potential buyer a credit at closing is taking a huge risk. Most buyers want a home that is “turn key” and “ready to move in” condition. They don’t want a list of items they now have to shop for and correct. Setting up utilities, a change of address, registering kids in new schools and coordinating movers is typically a major focus for buyers. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression.