First impressions are important
Remember, when a buyer visits your house, the first thing he will see is your home’s front door! Be sure that it is fresh, and clean. Be sure your lawn and landscaping is well manicured and trim looking. Be sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. If it snowed, be certain that you’ve removed the ice and snow from walk and steps.
What you show is what you get
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why try to tell a prospect how your home could look… When you can show him by a reasonable amount of redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Invest a little money to freshen things up with paint and necessary repairs. It will pay dividends for you.
Let the sun shine in
Open those drapes and curtains all the way, so the buyer can see how bright and cheerful your home is. Sunny homes make people happy and they also appear more spacious.
Little things mean a lot
Take a few minutes to check to be sure that your doors don’t stick or have loose knobs on them. Don’t forget your windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your home’s value.
Safety first and always
Keep stairways clear and clean since this will avoid injuries around your home. Also stairs that are clear and clean make the house look bigger.
From top to bottom
Display your main living areas, basement, garage and other utility spaces by removing all unnecessary articles. A coat of paint can do wonders if your basement is dark and dreary. Adding floor lamps and changing all burnt light bulbs will also help with the appearance.
Organize your closets
Make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized to show that your home has ample closet space. Donate or pack away all clothes that you aren't currently wearing.
Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes …
Make these rooms sparkle! Check and repair any damaged or discolored caulking in the bathtubs, showers and sinks. Of course, any leaky faucets and/or discolored sinks should be repaired.
Bedrooms shouldn’t sleep …
Keep these rooms bright and cheerful. Remove any excess furniture and be sure and use attractive bed covering. Master bedrooms should feel inviting after a long day; a place to unwind and relax!
Shine on …
Your home’s illumination can be a “welcome” sign to that prospective buyer! Turn on all of your outside and inside light when showing your home. Ensure all bulbs are working.
Two’s a couple & three’s a crowd
Don’t have too many people present during a home visit, since the potential buyers will feel like an intruder and want to hurry through your house. Give them the time to casually visit and chat with their broker during the visit.
Music soothes the savage beast
But not the potential buyer. When showing your house, turn off that blaring radio or television. Let the broker and the buyer talk freely and not be distracted. Soft music at a low volume is okay.
Curb your dog
A dog is “man’s best friend”, but not when showing your home. Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot.
Silence is golden
Be courteous and friendly, but don’t try to “force” conversation with a potential buyer. He’s there to visit your home and to determine if it suits his needs.
Be it ever so humble
There’s no place like your home. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. If any objections or derogatory comments are offered, let me answer them ? that is my job.
Stay in the background
I know the buyer’s needs and desires and can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you’re not “tagging along”. If there are any questions, I will call you.
Don’t put the cart before the horse…
Trying to sell the prospective purchasers any of the furniture or furnishings which you’re not taking with you, before they’ve purchased your home, can often lose the sale… so “cool it”.
A word to the wise
Let me discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers or buyers' broker. I have been trained and have experience, so let me bring your negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
Go ahead and use our broker
We recommend that we show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through our agency. This will be sincerely appreciated and will help us make the sale more quickly.
