FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING
The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse and children’s toys.
DECORATE FOR A QUICK SALE
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. An investment in kitchen wall paper will pay dividends, and you can’t find a better investment when selling your home than a few cans of paint to brighten up the interior.
LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Open draperies and curtains and let the buyer see how cheerful your home is. Dark rooms do not appeal to buyers.
REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Lose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, and other minor flaws detract from home value. Many buyers will believe that there are ten problems they haven’t noticed for every one they do notice.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Display the full value of your utility space by removing all unnecessary items. Neat well-ordered closets show that space is ample. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make these rooms sparkle!
WHEN AGENTS SHOW YOUR HOME
THREE’S A CROWD
Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
PETS
Keep pets out of the way-preferably out of the house. Many people are acutely uncomfortable around some animals.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He or she wants to inspect your house not pay a social call.
NEVER STAY IN YOUR HOUSE WITH HOUSE HUNTERS
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself from the house if you possibly can. Remember, that the agent has worked many hours with these people and knows what they are looking for and how to work with them. You may feel that the agent is not showing the important features of your home, but the agent knows that people are not sold by details until they have become emotionally attached with the big picture of your home. It is always a good idea to leave your house when you know buyers are coming.
A WORD TO THE WISE
Let your agent discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the buyers. He or she is eminently qualified to bring the negotiations to a favorable conclusion.