FIRST IMPRESSIONS CAN HELP MAKE THE SALE!
Selling your home is one of the most important financial transactions you are most likely to make. Like everyone else, you want to sell it for as much as possible and as fast as possible. We feel the same way.
Here are some tips that you can do to help sell your home.
1) FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST LASTING.
Remember that when a prospect comes to look at your home – the first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your front lawn and other landscaping should be neatly trimmed and mowed. Make certain that your yard is clean of refuse and leaves. The walk should be swept and, in winter, remove ice and snow from walk and steps. The front door must be clean and fresh looking, the doorbell in working order.
2) DECORATE FOR A QUICKER SALE.
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your house. Why describe how your house could look when you can show how it looks with just a reasonable amount of redecoration. A minor investment in paint or stain will pay bigger dividends to you in the form of a better price and quicker sale.
3) LET THE SUN SHINE IN.
Open the drapes and curtains. Clean the windows so that a prospect can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home buying prospects.
4) DON’T BE A DRIP.
Fix leaky faucets; dripping water suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing and high repair bills. Discolored, rust-stained sinks are also warning signs, so should be properly cleaned.
5) LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT.
Loose door knobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows – all are negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws, since they do detract from the value of your house.
6) BE SAFE.
Keep stairways and corridors clear and clean of clutter. In addition to being unattractive, clutter can cause accidents.
7) LOVE BIG CLOSETS & STORAGE AREAS!
We all love closets and large storage areas. Make them look even bigger by having them clean, neat and well organized. Get rid of old clothes and cartons that take away from the spacious look.
If storage spaces are dark and dreary, a coat of paint. or extra lighting can do wonders.
8) KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS SELL HOMES.
Make Kitchens and bathrooms sparkle. Clean your oven, range hood and refrigerator, clean-stained sinks and bowls, repair any damaged or discolored caulking around bathtubs and showers, be sure towels and area rugs are bright and clean, make certain all light fixtures are clean and bulbs work.
9) GET A START ON PACKING.
Remove all personal photos, excess decorative décor, and personal collections. Viewing the home as someone else’s will not help the buyer envision the home as their own. Remove excess or unused furniture to avoid a crowded look. More space generally equals more money.
10) CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT?
Illumination in your home can be the “welcome sign” for every prospect. Turn on all interior lights – including the accent and picture lights no matter the time of day. When showing your home at night, make sure all exterior lights are on as well.
11) PUT FIDO OUTSIDE.
Dog may be man’s best friend, but not when showing your house. Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot.
12) LEAVE YOUR HOME FOR ALL SHOWINGS
Potential buyers will feel like an intruder and want to hurry through your home if there are people around. Let the Broker show your home. The broker knows what the buyers needs are and what they are looking for, and can best describe and emphasize the best features of your house. If there are any questions, the broker get back to you.
13) BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
We recommend that your house be shown by appointment only. Through our office, we will schedule all showings, including those from other real estate offices. Your cooperation is needed to make certain the house is ready to show when called.
14) BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE.
There’s no place like home. You live in it, so don’t apologize for the appearance of the house. If something out the ordinary should happen to mess-up the appearance, inform the broker when you are first called for the showing.
