HOME SELLING TIPS
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP SELL MY PROPERTY FASTER?
With a little effort on your part, your home/commercial property can be sold
more quickly and at a better price if you let your property smile a "welcome"
to buyers.
PREPARING FOR THE SHOWING
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!
Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting. Keep the lawn trimmed
and remove snow and ice from walks in winter. Paint your front door if it
shows any signs of wear.
DECORATE FOR A QUICK SALE
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospects
how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating?
LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home
can be. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all
the lights during evening inspections.
FIX THAT FAUCET
A leaky faucet discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing inside and
outside the house.
REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
loose knobs, sticky doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light
switches and other minor flaws detract from the value of your home. Have
them fixed. (When prospects see things that need attention, they begin to
worry about what they can't see).
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Display the full value of your attic, basement and closets by removing all
unnecessary articles. You may want to have a garage sale to dispose of
unwanted items or move some items to a mini-warehouse.
SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways clear and avoid a cluttered appearance. Also, make sure you
don't overload wall plugs.
MAKE YOUR HOME SPARKLE
Keep windows clean. Steam clean your carpets and glue back peeling
wallpaper. Empty ashtrays and throw out the trash to give a good impression
of how you have maintained your home.
BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Put out fresh towels and
make the room attractive.
ARRANGE BEDROOMS NEATLY
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered
curtains.
DON'T CAUSE A CONTROVERSY
Remove any signs or posters that might be controversial or offensive to your
prospects.
SHOWING THE HOUSE
THREE'S A CROWD
Try not to be present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like
an intruder and will hurry through the house. Also, your broker knows the
buyer's requirements and better emphasize the features of your home when you
don't tag along.
KEEP THE MUSIC DOWN
Pipe in classical or soft rock music. But keep it low so the sales asscoiate
and the buyer can talk free of disturbances.
PETS UNDER FOOT
Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way-preferably out
of the house.
CREATE A HOMEY ATMOSPHERE
Bake cookies or bread, or place cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm oven on the
day of the showing. The aroma will make the potential buyer feel welcomed.
BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE
If you are present at the showing, never apologize for the appearance of your
home. After all, it has been lived in.
FOR THE RECORD
Have copies of your air-conditioning, heating and water bills for the past 12
months available. Also, keep bills showing when the new roof was put on and
when you installed the water heater, for instance.
A WORD TO THE WISE
Let the broker discuss the price, terms, possession and other factors with the
buyers. Your broker is qualified to bring negations to a favorable conclusion.
A LITTLE MONEY GOES A LONG WAY
Your cooperation in cosmetic repairs will increase everyone's interest level
and enthusiasm. You'll help close the sale more quickly.