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A home that stands out among similarly priced,
competitively financed houses is the one that sells. With a little
effort, your home can be sold more quickly and possibly at a better
price. When applicable, the following suggestions for preparing
your home to sell are worth the special attention.
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1.
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First impressions
are lasting. |
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View your house through the
critical eyes of a home buyer. Make sure your home has "curb
appeal." The front door greets prospects. Make sure it
is clean and freshly painted. Depending on the season, keep
your lawn trimmed and edged, and remove snow and ice from the
walks and steps. Keep garage doors closed and trash containers
out of sight.
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2.
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Paint and touch up for a
quick sale. |
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Faded walls and scratched woodwork
reduce buyer appeal. Your house will show the best with a fresh
coat of paint. Remember, it is difficult to anticipate the tastes
of strangers. Use neutral colors and show buyers a sparkling
clean home.
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3.
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Let the sunshine in. |
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Windows should be clean. Open
curtains and draperies and show the buyer how bright and cheerful
your home is. For and evening inspection, turn on all your lights.
Proper illumination of the house is a welcome sign to a potential
buyer.
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4.
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Minor repairs can make major
differences. |
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Replace all burned-out light
bulbs. A dripping water faucet discolors sinks and suggests
faulty plumbing. Loose knobs, sticking doors and broken cabinet
drawers detract from your home's value; please fix them.
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5.
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From top to bottom. |
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Show buyers the full value of
your attic, basement and other utility spaces by removing all
unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting
walls; cure damp smells with a bag of limestone. Now is a good
time to wash the outside of your water heater, change the furnace
filter and make sure inspection access is easy.
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6.
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Safety first. |
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Keep stairways clear.
Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
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7.
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Make closets look bigger. |
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Neat orderly closets
show that space is ample. Since you will be moving anyway, remove
or pack items that can be stored elsewhere.
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8.
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The kitchen is important. |
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Many buyers judge
housekeeping by the kitchen. Oven, stove and other appliances
should be spotless. Repair or replace anything that sticks,
squeaks or drips. Counter space should be kept open and uncluttered;
store countertop appliances. Floors and walls should be bright
and clean.
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9.
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Bathrooms help sell homes.
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Rust stains and
dripping faucets suggest faulty plumbing. Check and repair caulking
and grouting. Tile should be free of soap film. The sink, toilet
and tub should sparkle.
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10.
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Arrange bedroom neatly. |
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Furnishings should
be uncluttered. Pay special attention to closet spaces. Use
attractive bedspreads and curtains.
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11.
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Clean the garage. |
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The ideal garage
holds only cars. Sell, give or throw away unnecessary articles.
Clean oily spots on cement floors and use strong overhead lighting.
Keep storage areas and workbenches orderly. Remember, from the
outside your garage looks best with the door down.
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12.
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Showing the family room/living
room. |
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These areas, as
centers of family activity, should be open and inviting. Try
fresh flowers, wood in the fireplace and either air conditioning
or fresh air to set the atmosphere.
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13.
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Three is a crowd. |
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Avoid having too
many people present during inspections. It's best to show the
home when no one is there. Then the prospective buyer won't
feel like an intruder who wants to hurry through the house.
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14.
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Pets underfoot. |
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If at all possible, keep pets
out of the house.
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15.
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Music is mellow. |
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But not when showing a house.
Turn off the radio or television. Let the salesperson and the
buyer talk, free from disturbances.
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16.
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Silence is golden. |
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Be courteous, but don't force
conversation. Try to stay in the background, but be prepared
to answer questions if asked. The potential buyer wants to inspect
your home, not pay a social visit. Never apologize for the condition
of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the salesperson
answer any objections.
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17.
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A word to the wise. |
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Let the buyer's agent discuss
price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyer. Direct
any questions you may have to your listing agent.
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18.
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Details are important. |
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Complete the seller Disclosure
of Property Condition for all potential buyers to review. |
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