Let Your Home “Smile A Welcome” To Potential Buyers…
First Impressions Are Lasting
The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean, and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.
Decorate For A Quick Sale
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how yourhome could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higherprice will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends, andyou can’t find a better investment when you’re selling a house than a few cans of paintand a little putty to brighten up its interior.
Let The Sun Shine In
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be (Darkrooms do not appeal).
Fix That Faucet!
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
Repairs Can Make A Big Difference
Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers,and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Many buyersbelieve there will be ten problems they haven’t noticed for every one theydo see.
From Top To Bottom
Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.
Safety First
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
Make Closets Look Bigger
Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample.
Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
Check and repair caulking in bathrooms and showers. Make this room sparkle!
Arrange Bedrooms Neatly
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly launderedcurtains.
Harmonize The Elements
FM radio or stereo on softly, TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes openin the daytime, closed at night. If it’s hot, cool it; if it’s cold, light acrackling fire.
You Can Sell Pride Of Ownership Faster And For More Money
It’s called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used dirt. Putsparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you’ll take lots more silver out.
When Any Agent Shows Your Home: Three Is A Crowd
Avoid having too may people present during inspections. The potential buyer willfeel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
Music Is Mellow
But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let thesalesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances. Background “soft-playing”music is okay.
Pets Underfoot?
Keep pets out of the way – preferable out of the house. Many people are acutelyuncomfortable around some animals.
Silence Is Golden
Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house, not pay a social call.
Be It Ever So Humble
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Letthe trained salesperson answer any objections. This is their job.
Never Stay In Your House With House Hunters
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possibly can. Remember, that agenthas worked many hours with these people, and knows what they’re looking for, and howto work with them. Let him or her do the job without interference. You may feel that – anagent isn’t showing the important features of your home to the prospect, but the agentknows people aren’t sold by details until they’ve become emotionally involved with the bigpicture of your home. The presence of any member of the seller’s family, can’t help, always unnerves possible buyers, and often prevents a sale. Don’t put this obstacle in your path;please leave when buyers are coming.
Why Put The Cart Before The Horse?
Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyers before they havepurchased the house often loses a sale.
A Word To The Wise
Let your realtor discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the prospect.He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
