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Home Enhancement: Listing Agents Need to Read Now!

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

In order to sell your listing you need the property to sell itself. It is that simple. What you do to make it happen is critical foir your client and your success in a very competitive market. So I have put together some thoughts to help you get the most out of your profession. Here are some helpful hints.

INTERIOR

  • Turn on all the lights for a glowing warm feeling. All of them including closets, basements, and garage space. Don't let darkness rule.
  • Open the window coverings and place the shades all the way up. Natural sunlight or daylight gives a realistic impression to a potential buyer.
  • Turn the ceiling fans onto a low speed. Circulating the air gives freshness to a home, it shows the amenity is working and it is a talking point about comfort. Buyer's look for comfortable living spaces.
  • Remove unneccessary articles and appliances from countertops. Cluttered kitchens and general household nick knacks give a bad first impression.
  • Remove magnets and pictures from the refrigerator. Sounds trivial but it is a sign of clutter even if it is not interferring with the space.
  • Make sure the beds are made and remove any articles of clothing not put away. Floors and doorways should be inviting and not become a trip hazard! Stepping around a room means stepping away from the property.
  • Eliminate odors. Get your client to use renewable plug in scents. Citrus or flower fragrances work well. If your kitchen has a garbage disposal then bring a lemon and send it throught the disposal. A fresh lemon scent works very well around the sink.
  • Close: toilet lids, shower curtains and put away bathroom soaps, shampoos and similiar items.  Have glass clean and mirrors shiny. Dirty bathrooms do a great job of turning people off! Make sure towels and wash clothes are set up and never leave the toilet paper dispenser empty.

Anyone else that would like to share some hints please jump in and BLOG! Thanks and have a great day!

Nattalie de la Mothe
Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors - Atlanta, GA
Selling Atlanta Homes like a Boss

Great post Michael.

I can see the value to a buyer in all of them.

 

Apr 13, 2007 07:36 AM
Paula Henry
Home to Indy Team @ HomeSmart Realty Group - Avon, IN
Realtor - Indianapolis Real Estate - 317-605-4174
Michael - A great list! The plug-in scents are a great idea. i once had a listing which was priced right, vacant and lots of action. Only problem, a peculiar smell. Within two days of installing these great little glade inventions, I had three contracts. Amazing! Best - Paula
Apr 13, 2007 10:29 AM
Theresa Cavanaugh
Global Realty Marketing - Appleton, WI
Great reminders!
Apr 13, 2007 03:03 PM
Daniel Lowery
1st Choice Real Estate - Jefferson City, MO
e-PRO, Broker - Owner
Thanks for posting and sharing the tips with us all, I have this blog bookmarked and will use it in the future.
Apr 13, 2007 04:23 PM
Debbie Malone
Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA
From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369
Great tips Michael, and after showing some properties the last few days, I'd like to leave a copy of your list at each of the homes! LOL!!! Thanks for sharing.......
Apr 13, 2007 05:10 PM
Michael Ross
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Beverly, MA
North Shore of Boston

Debbie, Seen alot of "ugly" stuff and some very "lived in" homes with the listing agent acting as if their is nothing wrong with showing the town dumP! Some people have no pride.

I have made beds...picked up every bit of clothing clean or dirty or folded to be put away or left on the dryer back into the hamper!!!  Cleaned the dished in the sink and wiped down the kitchen for this one listing. Placed looked good. Buyer liked the showing. Seller called asking what happened to the house?

I told her I hired a cleaning service for her!  I paid them $100.00 dollars. Just kidding of course but she didn't get it!  She just bluted out she wanted the number they did an awesome job. I told her she already had it. Just give me a call when you want me to do it again.  Then came the embarrassment! You didn't have to do that!

Yes I did in order to sell her home!  Lucky enough  I  got a call from this Buyer wanting  a second showing and when i pressed my client to have all the floors, windows, bathrooms and carpets cleaned for the next showing she asked me how much!!!

We hired a top of the line company for $300.00 and the place sparkled!!! The Buyer put in a very good offer that day. After a brief negotiation.....just on closing date and a small increase in the deposit we went under agreement.

 

Apr 15, 2007 03:18 PM
Greg Herson
Mal & Seitz Real Estate - Portland, OR
Thanks for the great tips you provided.  Much appreciated.
Apr 15, 2007 07:09 PM
Steven Shewell
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. - Ephrata, PA
The Mortgage Maverick

David:

Good tips.  Most of them are common sense ideas that we should all follow religiously...but somehow we forget the small stuff.

Apr 16, 2007 12:00 AM
Jane E. Haas
Jane Haas Photography - Davenport, FL
All are great except the plug in air freshners - I can't walk into a house with those - instant migraine!  Don't forget that people do have allergies!  Some people really go overboard with those too, sometimes smelling like a funeral parlor! lol 
I actually like a light vanilla or lemon scent - studies have proven that vanilla is the most comforting fragrance and lemon is associated with clean!  A light spritz of lemon scented lysol cleaner to wipe off the counters smells great!
Apr 16, 2007 05:16 PM
Endea Thibodeaux
Lanham, MD
Solar Energy Consultant, CDPE, CLHMS
Good ideas. Thanks.
May 15, 2007 02:31 PM