1. First impressions are lasting. The front door meets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Touch up any peeling paint. Keep lawn trimmed and edged and the yard free of hoses, toys and refuse. An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior.
2. Decorate for a quick sale. Faded, worn woodwork and carpets reduce appeal. Why try to tell prospects how your home could look when you can show them decorating?
3. Let the sun shine in. Clean your windows, open draperies and curtains so prospects see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms do not appeal and seem small.
4. Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and indicates faulty plumbing.
5. Repairs can make a difference. Squeaky doors, loose knobs, broken doorbells, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors, etc. are noticed by the prospect. Have them repaired.
6. From top to bottom. Display the full size of your garage, storage rooms and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull rooms by painting walls.
7. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injures.
8. Closet illusions. Neat, well ordered closets show that the space is ample.
9. Dear to their hearts is the kitchen. Colorful window treatments in harmony with the floor and counter tops add appeal for the cooks of the house.
10. Check and double check bathrooms. Bright and clean bathrooms help sell homes.
11. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bed spreads and freshly laundered curtains.
12. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a "welcome sign". The potential buyer will feel a growing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection or on a cloudy day. Make sure to replace all burned out bulbs.
13. Three's a crowd. More will lose the sale. Avoid being at home during showings, if possible. The potential buyer may feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. If it is impossible for you to be away, the following should be considered:
Silence is golden. Be courteous but don't force conversation with potential buyers. They want to inspect your home, not pay a social call.
Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let our trained salesperson answer any objections. This is their job.
Stay in the shadows. Please do not tag along with the prospect and our sales representative. They know the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your house when alone. You will be called if needed.
14. "Love me, love my dog" does not apply in this case. Keep pets out of the way, preferably off the property. Clean carpets to eliminate pet odors.
15. Don't put the cart before the horse. Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before the purchase of the house often loses a sale.
16. A word to the wise. Do not discuss price, terms, possession, reason for selling or other aspects of the sale with the customers. Refer them to us. We are better equipped to bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion with all due dispatch.
17. Have confidence in your REALTOR®
