Questions and (only) Suggestions

to help your home sell faster….

 

 

 

Get Ready…Start Outside!

Stand across the street and take a look at your home from a potential buyer’s viewpoint….

 

·        Too many cars parked in front?

·        Is the lawn trimmed and are spots in need of re-seeding.  Get landscaping in top shape.  In the winter is the driveway and pathways shoveled clear of snow?

·        Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches and decks.  In the summer, plant flowers.

·        Fencing straight?  Need stain or paint?  Does any part of the house, trim, decks, gates, and front door need painting?  Remember, when a buyer comes to look at your house, the first thing he sees is your front door.

·        If weather permits, wash screens and windows outside and buy things that will enhance the house for showing that you can take with you…A new welcome mat, big potted plants for the inside, pots of geraniums for the patio or deck.

 

Freshen up the inside…

The emotions you’re trying to stimulate are triggered by sensory experiences.  Aim for the senses, especially smell and sight.  Clean, fresh smelling homes will sell faster.

·        Badly faded walls or worn woodwork reduce appeal…selective painting will help to add a fresh look

·        Dress up windows in freshly laundered curtains.  Colorful curtains in harmony with countertops and floors add warmth to kitchens, baths, etc.

·        Check all light bulbs and detail all light fixtures.

·        Oven ranges and sink clear and neat?

·        Take things out of closets and cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away.

·        Remove unnecessary articles that have accumulated in basements/utility and storage areas.

·        Clear stairway and hallways to open them up.

·        Too much furniture??? Put it in the basement/garage or better yet…store or sell it.

·        Brighten dull basement and storage areas by painting the walls and using high watt bulbs.

·        Bathrooms that sparkle, sell homes and the opposite is true…dirty baths can turn off a buyer.

·        New towels are an excellent investment.

·        Does the interior need painting?  $100 worth of paint may balance $500 in a price cut.  Make rooms sparkle.

·        Keep all steps clear of hazards.

·        Have all light sockets filled with bulbs.  Illumination is like a welcome sign.

·        Wash dishes, put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, etc.

·        Does the carpet need cleaning and replacing?

·        Are all appliances clean and in good working order?

·        Remove an ornate item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep, for example a special chandelier.

Minor repairs make sense…

Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your homes value.  Don’t’ make major changes, except maybe, for new carpeting, hard wood floors refinished and new paint (in a neutral color).

·        Dripping faucets lead buyers to question the plumbing system.

·        Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers or doors?

·        Fix all caulking, especially in the bathrooms.

·        In general, if it’s busted…fix it!

Ok, It’s show time…

·        Turn off the television.  It is very difficult for an agent to keep the attention of a prospect focused on your home when an interesting special is on the tube competing for their attention.

·        Turn on the stereo.  Tune in your best stereo station to a soft “easy listening” station and turn the volume down low.  Most buyers will imagine themselves living in a peaceful, serene environment.

·        Let the sun shine in!  Open all window shades, drapes and curtains.

·        Build a fire…if you have enough notice.

·        Pets underfoot?  Keep them out of the way, preferably out of the house.

·        Check the temperature…toasty warm in the winter, please.

·        Turn on every light in the house just before leaving the house.  Turn on all lights including closet lights.  This makes the house seem bright and cheery.

·        Secure jewelry, cash and other valuable.  You may want to consider placing these items in a safety deposit box while your property is on the market.

·        If people who are not represented by a broker ask to see to see your property, please refer them to me.  I will pre-qualify prospective buyers and screen all inquires for your convenience and peace of mind.

·        Please notify me if you are leaving town, and leave a number where you can be reached in case an offer is presented.