I’ve read this story several times before:  One of the best violinists in the world played in the D.C. Metro station.  He played on one of the finest violins–a Gibson ex Huberman, it was handcrafted in 1713 by Antonio Stradivari during the Italian master’s “golden period,” toward the end of his career, when he had access to the finest spruce, maple and willow, and when his technique had been refined to perfection.

You can read the story from a couple of different viewpoints by clicking here or here.

The story tells how he barely drew any attention, even though the acoustics were great.  People perceived him as a common busker and walked on by.

The same thing happens to homes for sale.  Not many people can see past the surface appearance to see “hidden” value.  Minor flaws you’ve lived with for years and don’t even notice can be the thing that turns buyers off and they go down the road to the next house: one with the “wow” factor that makes them feel at home.

As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression.  For most home buyers, that first impression determines whether they consider your house or pass on by.