So My Client Called Me A Drill Sergeant!
At first, I was a little taken aback.
Me?
A Drill Sergeant?
There’s some degree of an oxymoron going on there. Clearly, I misunderstood this pretty unattractive interpretation of my personality. (Catch the oxymorons?)
My client then said "NO, NO I mean that in the best possible way!"
What’s he talking about anyway?
When he selected me to be his listing agent, I told him I would be asking him to work with me to get his house sold.
I then laid out my ‘orders’ and told him he had to comply …. or else! No, I really didn’t say that but I kind of implied it.
In other words, I was giving him 'direction' on how to prepare his house for sale and how to keep it presentable and available for showings so his house would be attractive and easy enough for buyers to not only visit the home but also appealing enough to make an offer on it.
So, what did I tell him?
Pre-Listing
Clean, clean, and clean again
Declutter
Paint the front door
Put out colorful seasonal flowers at the entry
Wash the windows
Paint interior where necessary
Steam clean carpeting
Remove personal photos
Remove some furniture to create more spacious feeling
Clean off the refrigerator – NO MAGNETS or pictures!
Clean off kitchen counters – leave only a very few items
Clean mirrors and fixtures
Clean closets and cabinets – yes, buyers will take a look
Check all light bulbs – replace if necessary
Seasonally, keep lawn mowed, shrubs trimmed, beds mulched…. and in the winter snow removed
During Listing Period
Remove dishes from sink daily
Clean kitchen counters
Sweep/vacuum as necessary
Wipe down bathroom counter, shower/tub, toilet seat down
Open shades/blinds/drapes
Keep dogs/cats crated or removed from house
Empty garbage
No stinky air fresheners or candles
Do not stay in house during showings
Keep house comfortably warm or cool as season dictates.
Be prepared to leave your house quickly for an appointment called in with little notice
I suggested he keep a list of the ‘to-dos drill’ and check it off before leaving the house for showings or before going to work for the day.
He got the idea. Keep the house CLEAN and TIDY and make it easy to show for agents and their buyers. He said, “OK, Sarge. This is not going to be easy for me, but I’ll do it.”
Thanks, Mr. Seller. With your cooperation, you got an offer on your house in 5 days! Now, weren't those 'drills' I put you through worth it??
Thinking of selling your house? You may not always like what you may have to do, BUT you’ll surely LOVE it when you get an offer quickly!
Enough said……At ease!
Thinking about selling or just want to know what your home is worth? GET a FREE professional market analysis!
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