To help us sell your home - show it off!
People usually decide within two minutes whether they like a home
or not. The first impression is often the lasting impression. And they start
forming their opinion before they even walk in the front door!
So it is smart to ask yourself if your home is as presentable as
it can be. The best way to find out is to imagine you're a prospective buyer.
You've probably been looking at other homes, so approach your present home the
way you look at other houses.
If you are a seller - think like a buyer!
Keep it cool!
On a warm day, make sure your
air conditioner is turned down enough to make the house pleasantly cool, so it's
obvious that your home has air conditioning. The prospective buyer may be
uncomfortably warm and walking into your nice cool house may be just the thing
to tip the scales in your favor.
Atmosphere counts!
Aroma of cookies or bread
being baked adds to a pleasant atmosphere...as does a nice fire glowing in your
fireplace on a chilly day.
First impressions are lasting impressions
An
inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn trimmed and
edged, the flower bed cultivated, the yard free and clear of refuse. Remove snow
and ice from the walks and porch stoop in the winter time.
Decorate your home-a step toward a sale
Does
any part of your house need painting? Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce buyer
interest. It's sometimes difficult for a prospective buyer to perceive how a
place can be made to look, show the redecorating first. A quicker sale at a
higher price may result.
Sparkling clean
A bright, tidy home greatly
enhances its appeal to buyers. Does your carpeting need to be cleaned or
replaced? Clean walls, windows and bathrooms will brighten things up. Keep the
bedrooms tidy. The attic, basement and garage need to be as neat and clean as
possible. If you remove all unnecessary articles, the full value of your storage
and utility space will be displayed. And it's the first impression that
counts!
Fix that faucet
Dripping water discolors the
enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing. Needed little repairs detract
from a home's value and the few hours you spend as a handyman can pay you large
benefits.
A day with the carpenter
Loose door knobs,
sticking drawers, and warped cabinet doors are noticed by prospects! Have them
fixed. Are your screens in good shape? What about the windows? Do they work well
or do they need attention?
Closet illusions
Clothes properly hung,
shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed will make your closets appear
adequate. Remove some clothing, if necessary, to make them look roomier.
Dear to your heart is the kitchen
Colorful
curtains in harmony with the floor and countertops add appeal. Clear countertops
help give a feeling of spaciousness. And your appliances should be in good
working order!
Can you see the light?
Illumination is a
welcome sign. Turn on all the lights from the front door to the back ... from
top to bottom ... and the prospect will feel a glowing warmth otherwise hard to
attain. And keep your draperies open during the day!
Three's a crowd
Avoid having too many people
present during showings. The prospect will feel like an intruder and will hurry
through the house. Remind the children to stay in the background and out of the
way. We want the prospects' attention focused on your home, in an unhurried
way.
Soft background music
Very soft ... make a
home feel comfortable to a buyer. But turn off the television, it's too
distracting. Let the buyer and agent talk free of disturbances.
Love me, love my dog
does not apply in home
selling! Keep pets out of the way, under control, and preferably out of the
house. And a little air freshener is sometimes advisable, particularly if the
house has been closed up for some time. Also, please empty litter boxes.
Putting the cart before the horse
Trying to
dispose of furniture to the prospect before they have purchased the house often
loses a sale. Proper timing is important and these matters are best dealt with
after an offer has been negotiated.
Be it ever so humble
Never apologize for the
appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in.
In the shadows
We've found that showings are
more effective if the salesperson and prospect tour your property unaccompanied.
The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize those
features. Please don't follow the agent around.
A word to the wise
Do not discuss price,
terms, possession or other factors with the buyers. Refer them to us. We are
better able to bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion as intermediary
third parties.
And last but not least
We ask that your home
be shown to prospective customers only by appointment through our office. Refer
any inquiries, including anyone who may call you or come to your door, to your
sales associate. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help effect a
sale more quickly.