In General:

• Try to look at your house THROUGH THE BUYERS EYES as though you've never seen it or been there before.
• Any time or money spent on these items will bring you back more money in return, and hopefully a faster sale.

First Impressions Are Lasting

The front door greets the prospective buyer.

• Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking.
• Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.

Let the Sun Shine In!

Open drapes and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dorm rooms do not appeal).

• Leave all curtains/blinds open.
• If warm, open windows.
• In dark areas, turn on dim light.
• Have stereo on a classical music station.

Decorate for a Quick Sale

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal.

• Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look when you can show them by redecorating?
• A quicker sale at a higher price will result.
• An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends
• You can’t find a better investment when you’re selling a house than a few cans of paint and a little putty to brighten up its interior.

Making Closets Look Bigger

Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample.

• If need be, clear out some of your closet-clutter to add open space to the insides of the closets
• Space your hangers out to remove that crammed in look
• Clear enough room for the buyer imagine their stuff in your closet

A Clean Look From Top To Bottom

• Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.

Small Repairs Can Make A Big Difference

Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from home value.

• Have them fixed.
• Many buyers believe there will be 10 problems they haven’t noticed for every one they do see.

Fix That Faucet!

• Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

Bathrooms Help Sell Homes

• Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.
• Make this room sparkle!

Arrange Bedrooms Neatly

• Remove excess furniture.
• Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Safety First

• Keep stairways clear.
• Avoid cluttered appearance and possible injuries.

Pets Underfoot?

Keep pets out of the way—preferably out of the house.

• Many people are acutely uncomfortable around some animals
• Keep all pets out of the way — preferably outside.
• Sprinkle carpets with pet deodorizer daily.

Harmonize the Elements

• FM radio or stereo on softly
• TV off
• All lights on, day or night
• Drapes open in the daytime, closed at night
• If it’s hot, cool it; if it’s cold, light a fire.

Music is Mellow ....

But not when showing a house.

• Turn of the blaring radio or television
• Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances
• As mentioned above, background “soft playing” music is okay

Three’s a Crowd

Avoid having too many people during showings.

• The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
• When a salesperson is showing your home, it is best to step outside or stay in one room. In this way, the agent can address Buyers’ objections about your house.
• If an agent is previewing, they will be in and out of your home in five minutes. Don’t be offended. We are trained to do “fast” inspections.
• Do not follow agents around your house. It is distracting to them. And, they probably won’t remember your house as well.

Silence is Golden

Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer.

• He 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 if you possibly can.

• Remember, that agent has worked many years with these people and knows what they are looking for, and how to work with them.
• Let him or her do the job without interference.
• You may feel that an agent isn’t showing the important features of your home to the prospect, but the agent know people aren’t sold by details until they’ve become emotionally involved with the big picture of your home.
• The presence of any member of the seller’s family can’t help, always unnerves possible buyers, and often prevents a sale.
• Don’t put this obstacle in your path; please leave when buyers are coming.

Be It Ever So Humble

Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in.

• Let the trained salesperson answer any objections
• This is their job

A Word to the Wise

Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the prospect.

• He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

Suggestions And Things To Think About

• Major concerns of Buyers: cleanliness, smell, light and bright, open, uncluttered.
• Agents call for an appointment and don’t’ show up—possibly the exterior of your home does not match the Buyers’ criteria; or, possibly they fell in love with another house and decided not to look any further. Whatever the reason, they should have called to cancel.
• If an agent rings your doorbell, has not made an appointment, and has clients in the car—LET THEM IN! Don’t turn a motivated Buyer away.
• If Buyers want to see your home, please ask them to contact their agent, or give them my card. DO NOT LET THEM IN.
• Be aware of agents who like your home and say something like: “I can’t understand why it hasn’t sold.” If this is the way the agent feels, then why hasn’t that agent brought you an offer?
• If an agent says or does something to upset you, please let use know.
• Sometimes agents will leave lights on, doors unlocked, or fail to leave a business card. Hopefully this will not happen to you. As a rule, agents are extremely considerate.
• Please save all agents’ cards. Put an “X” on the card of agents who bring clients. We will call them for feedback on our price and your house.
• Please review the Purchase Contract.
• After the pest control inspector has finished, ask him what the Section I damage is. If you disagree, ask them to show you the damage.
• Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishing to potential buyers before he/she has purchased the house often loses a sale.
• Be open to the first offer on your house.