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As a homeowner, you can play an
important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take
the following steps, you’ll help me sell your home faster, at the
best possible price.
- Make the Most of
that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free
porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted – or at least
freshly scrubbed – front door. If it’s autumn, rake the leaves.
If it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between
prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
- Invest a Few Hours
for Future Dividends
Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the
living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is
scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor
redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your
property. If you’re worried about time, hire professional
cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember,
prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than
hear how great it could look "with a little work."
- Check Faucets and
Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests
faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring
leave prospects in the dark. Don’t let little problems detract
from what’s right with your home.
- Don’t Shut Out a
Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure
they will also stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain
away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A
little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
- Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps:
roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery
throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence
as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.
- Make Room for
Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just
comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space,
too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of
unnecessary items.
- Consider Your
Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now’s the
time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to
charity.
- Make Your Bathroom
Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair
damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added
allure, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains.
- Create Dream
Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a
spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads
and fresh curtains are a must.
- Open up in the
Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so
prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
- Lighten up at
Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both
inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening.
Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
- Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a
home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the
attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the
company present to a minimum.
- Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing
your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do
everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out
of the way.
- Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate
transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn
down the stereo or TV.
- Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want
to view your home with a minimum of distraction.
- Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its
shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment
about your home's appearance, let me handle the situation.
- Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But I know buyers -
what they need and what they want. I will have an easier time
articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the
background.
- Don't Turn Your
Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with
offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may
lose the biggest sale of all.
- Defer to
Experience - It's the Experience®
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate
matters, let them speak to an expert - Karen, your RE/MAX Sales
Associate.
- Help Your Agent
I will have an easier time selling your home if showings are
scheduled through my office. You'll appreciate the results!
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