Take Our Advice…
As
a homeowner, you can play
an important part in the timely sale of your
property by following a little advice based on our experience.
property by following a little advice based on our experience.
- MAKE THE MOST OF THAT FIRST IMPRESSION- Never underestimate the importance of outward appearances- especially where your home is concerned. Potential buyers begin their decision making process early, with the first glance at your property. A well manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, and a clutter free porch welcome prospects; so does a freshly painted- or at least freshly scrubbed front door. If it’s autumn, blow the leaves. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home the better.
- INVEST A FEW HOURS FOR FUTURE DIVIDENDS- Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the great room, the bath room, the bedrooms and the kitchen. If the woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, perhaps you might want to consider some minor redecoration. Fresh paint or wall paper in the kitchen or bath can add both charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home looks than hear you tell how great it could look, “with a little work”.
- CHECK FAUCETS AND BULBS- Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don’t let little problems detract from what’s right with your home.
- DON’T SHUT OUT A SALE- If cabinets or doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
- THINK SAFETY- Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: toys on the floor, slippery throw rugs, low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.
- MAKE ROOM FOR SPACE- Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic, basement and/or storage room are clean and free from unnecessary items.
- CONSIDER YOUR CLOSETS- The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to a charity.
- CREATE DREAM BEDROOMS- Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedrooms and fresh curtains are a must. Earth tones work best if you are painting.
- MAKE YOUR BATHROOMS SPARKLE- Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
- OPEN UP THE DAYTIME- Let the sunshine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes and open your blinds so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home really is.
- LIGHTEN UP AT NIGHT- Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights (including lamps) - both inside and out- when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth and make prospects feel welcome.
- WATCH YOUR PETS- Dogs and cats are wonderful companions, but not when you’re selling a home. If possible take your pets with you while your home is being shown or keep your pets outside and at least out from under foot.
- THINK VOLUME- Rock and roll will never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it’s time to show your home low volume soft music works best.
- DON’T TURN YOUR HOME INTO A SECOND HAND STORE- When prospects come to view your home, don’t distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may loose the biggest sale of all.
- KEEP A LOW PROFILE- No one knows your home as well as you do, but your real estate agent knows buyers- prospects want to view your home with minimal distractions. Whenever possible, please don’t be home for showings, if this is not possible weather permitting step outside when prospects are viewing the inside and back inside when prospects are viewing the outside. Your agent will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background
- THE SMELL OF MONEY- It’s best not to smoke inside your home when it’s on the market. This is a big turnoff for buyers, even buyers who may smoke. Clean carpet, drapes and add an air purifier if you are a smoker, so your deal won’t go up in smoke.
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