Preparing to Sell
Preparing to Sell
If you're a seller, think like a buyer. Is your home as presentable as it can be?
People often start forming their opinion even before they walk in the front door. Once they're in your home, it only takes about two minutes to form a lasting opinion about us.
Follow these steps for your house to look its best for broker previews, buyer showings and open houses. Home enhancements can more than pay for themselves in stronger offers from buyers. Remember -- Look at your house through "buyers eyes."
First Steps
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Clean Windows, walls & bathrooms
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Paint walls in need of a fresh coat
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Fix worn woodwork
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Clean or replace carpet
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Create look of large storage areas & utility spaces by removing unnecessary items & neatly organizing kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets, garage, basement & attic.
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Make closets appear adequate by properly hanging clothes & placing shoes, hats & other items in an orderly fashion; remove items if necessary
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Spend a few hours fixing up things that could potentially detract from your home's value; i.e., prospective buyers see dripping faucets & think your home has faulty plumbing.
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Fit loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors, holes in screens, windows that don't work, etc.
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Make sure your appliances work
Maintain for Each Showing
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Exterior of home should have "curb appeal"Interior
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Keep lawn moved & edged, shrubs trimmed, flower bed cultivated
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Sweep or remove snow & ice from the walkway
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Pick up lawn tools, toys & newspapers
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Clean up after pets
- Pick up toys & shoes
- Make beds & put clothes away
- Tidy up bathrooms; set out "show" towels
- Do a quick dusting
- Give carpets a once-over with the vacuum; straighten rugs
- Empty wastebaskets
Atmostphere
- Open drapes & shades & turn on all lights to make your house look light & bright; open windows to freshen rooms
- Set a comfortable temperature; cool in summer, warm in winter
- Turn off television; play soft background music
- Keep pets out of the way; make sure all pet areas -- including litter box --are clean & free of odor; use air freshener if necessary
Added Touches
- Prepare tables with flowers & place settings; set out game or "coffee table" book
- Start a fire in your fireplace on a chilly day
- Create pleasant aroma with fresh baked cookies or bread
Special Tips for Showings
- Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medications & other valuables
- It is usually best if you can leave while your house is being shown; if you're home, don't follow sales associates around-they know their buyers can best emphasize the most fitting features of your home
- Please save all business cards of sales associates who show your property
- If people who are not accompanied by an agent ask to see your property, please refer them to us; we will pre-screen them
- Don't discuss price, terms, possessions or other factors with buyers. Refer them to us. We are better able to bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion as intermediary third parties. It is also not a good idea to try to dispose of furniture to a prospect before an offer; again leave that to us.