FIRST IMPRESSIONS CAN HELP MAKE THE SALE!
Selling your home is one of the most important financial transactions you’ll likely 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 to help you 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. Keep your front lawn and other landscaping neatly trimmed and mowed. Make sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. Sweep the walk and, in winter, remove ice and snow from the walk and steps. Keep the front door clean and fresh-looking, and make sure the doorbell works.
2) DECORATE FOR A QUICKER SALE.
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce your house’s appeal. 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 in the form of a better price and a quicker sale.
3) LET THE SUN SHINE IN.
Open the drapes and curtains. Clean the windows so prospects can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark, dreary rooms don’t appeal to most home-buying prospects.
4) DON’T BE A DRIP.
Fix leaky faucets; dripping water suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing and can lead to high repair bills. Discolored, rust-stained sinks are also warning signs, so clean them properly.
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 these seemingly minor flaws, since they detract from your home’s value.
6) BE SAFE.
Keep stairways and corridors clear and clutter-free. Clutter can also cause accidents.
7) LOVE BIG CLOSETS & STORAGE AREAS!
We all love closets and large storage areas. Make them look even bigger by keeping 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. Seeing the home as someone else’s will not help the buyer envision it 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 accent and picture lights, no matter the time of day. When showing your home at night, turn on all exterior lights, too.
11) PUT FIDO OUTSIDE.
A dog may be man’s best friend, but not when showing your house. Keep all pets out of the way and off the floor.
12) LEAVE YOUR HOME FOR ALL SHOWINGS
Potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your home if people are around. Let the Broker show your home. The broker knows the buyers’ needs and what they are looking for, and can best describe and emphasize your home’s best features. If there are any questions, the broker will get back to you.
13) BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
We recommend showing your house by appointment only. Our office 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 house’s appearance. If something out of the ordinary happens that messes up the appearance, inform the broker when you are first called for the showing.