10 Things to do to have Your Home SHOW-READY!
10 Things to do to have Your Home SHOW-READY!
More great blogging fodder can be found in the Q&A section here in the Rain - thanks today to Sharon Altier, SFR! Sharon's question had to do with what we instruct our sellers to do in preparation for each and every showing. Here are 10 tips that I have learned over the years that have gotten amazing results when my sellers put them to use.
1. Classical or jazz music (playing very softly)
2. All lights on
3. Blinds open
4. Fresh-baked cookies or boil an apple with cinnamon in the kitchen while you turn on all of the lights. Please, no 'fake' scents or sprays!
5. Leave your brochures out for your guests to take one.
6. CLEAN - leave your home SHOW-READY!
7. Be sure that all toilet seats are down!
8. Pick-up the yard - rid the yard of children's toys and don't forget to poop-scoop!
9. Don't be the elephant in the room! No people or pets to remain.
10. Make certain that all valuables and medications leave with you!
Sure, there are lots of things to do to prepare for your home for the market but, when the time has arrived for showings, these tips DO WORK!
A quick story about #1 - I was once the 4th Realtor® for a high-end property in Myers Park - the home was located on Queens Road and it was vacant and the sellers vehemently refused to stage the home. I added a 'boom box,' hidden on one of the shelves in the home that I left on 24-7, playing classical music. The lights were always on for showings and there were professional photos and brochures in the home. Despite no staging, the home was kept spotless and the blinds opened.I arrived at Closing and was surprisingly greeted by the buyer who exclaimed in his glorious British accent, "You tricked me into buying this house!" When asked to clarify, he informed me that he used to play in the London Philharmonic Orchestra. When he and his wife stepped into the home, he said his absolute favorite Brahms symphony was playing "on the music box" and he knew this was the house for them - "and, of course, my wife loves the kitchen!"
So, don't let anyone tell you that soft music doesn't make a difference - it DOES! And, if your home has surround sound, having the music playing brings attention to that wonderful feature. If it's not on, the buyers may have read about the home having surround sound but, may be wondering, "Does it really work?"
Regarding #8 - The buyers' #1 interest in homes for the past 3 years has been outdoor living areas - if they're out in your backyard - and they will be - you want it to really look nice and you don't want them tracking undesirables into your home either!
Other Seller Tips:
A Home Never Gets a Second Chance for a First Impression
Post-Contract Seller Checklist
Thinking of selling your Charotte home? Let's talk! Give me a call at (704) 491-3310.
©Debe Maxwell | The Maxwell House Group RE/MAX Executive | (704) 491-3310 | 10 Things to do to have Your Home SHOW-READY!
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Charlotte NC Real Estate Agents
Debe Maxwell, Realtor®/Broker/CRS
CharlotteBroker@icloud.com
Direct: (704) 491-3310
Disclosure of material contained within
.
Comments (8)Subscribe to CommentsComment