20 TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME
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 Jacquie Darmanin 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 in 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. 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 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 fix them. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward
a closing.
Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-setbooby
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 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
Bathrooms 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 your experienced RE/MAX Associate handle the situation.
Keep a Low
Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But your
realtor know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your realtor 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
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let
them speak to an expert - your realtor.
Help Your
Agent
Your realtor will have an easier time selling your home
if showings are scheduled through her office. You'll appreciate the results!