SELLER’S CHECKLIST: WHEN YOUR HOME IS FOR SALE
Please remember that the way you live in the house is good for you and the way you live but not necessarily the way people who will be buying your house will want to live in it. Potential buyers need to see themselves living in the house. Once they can see themselves in the home, they will be motivated to make an offer.
FIVE SENSES: 
The home must look attractive from the outside so that they want to come in. Leaves raked, snow shoveled, flowers on the porch, front door painted, handrails painted, shrubs trimmed, beds mulched, mailbox painted, new door knob?, new outdoor light(s)?, garage door closed, bikes put away, grass mowed, windows cleaned – you may wish to consult a stager or at least ask your Realtor© for advice.
Once inside, the home must LOOK good. Clean, clutter-free and easy to navigate. Clean the house weekly. Shine the handles on the sinks. Make the beds every morning. Keep everything picked up and put away so the house is ready to show at a moments notice.
The house needs to SMELL good; fresh and clean. Be aware that people who do not own pets will be more sensitive to pet odors. Onions, fish, dirty diapers, and pet odors are deal killers for most home buyers. Apple pie, freshly baked cookies, and fresh flowers smell good to most people.
How does a house SOUND good? When the buyers walk in the door, there should be soft music in the distant background. Jazz or classical without vocals allow the buyers to have sound filling in the spaces between the thoughts they are having as they walk through the house. It gives the feeling of life in the house.
Houses do not TASTE. However, an ice cold pitcher of lemonade on a hot day with a few glasses and a note inviting the buyers to have one will make that memory stand out in their minds when they are reviewing the homes they have seen.
TOUCH. Some people will touch things as they walk through the house. For some people, touching is part of the experience. It’s how they put information into their brain. Flat surfaces should be free from dust. Wood should be clean and shiny. Add soft throws atop the back of the leather sofa to give variety to the ‘touchers’. Vary textures throughout the home.
More Tips for Sellers - or call 816.560.3758 for a personal consultation
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