20 TIPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME

 

   1. Make the most of that first impression


      A well-manicured lawn and shrubs, and a clutter free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted or a freshly scrubbed front door- if it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, make sure there's no ice on the sidewalk or steps. The fewer obstacles between prospects, and the true appeal of your home, the better.


   2. Invest a few hours for future dividends


      Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Prospects would rather see how great your home looks than hear how great it could look with a little work.


   3. 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 is right about your home.


   4. Don't shut out a sale


      If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in the prospect's mind. Don't try to explain sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort can smooth the way towards a closing.


   5. Think safety


      Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby-tops: 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.


   6. Make room for space


      Remember potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They are looking for storage space too. Mike sure your attic and basement is clean and free of unnecessary items.


   7. Consider your closets


      The better organized a closet the larger it appears. Now's the time to box those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.


   8. Make you bathroom sparkle


      Bathrooms sell homes so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, use your best towels, mats and shower curtains.


   9. Create dream bedrooms


      Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedroom. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.


  10. Open up in the daytime


      Let the sun in. Pull back your Curtains and a drape so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home really is. Be sure your windows are sparkling clean too.


  11. Lighten up at night


      Turn on the excitement. Turn on all your lights, both inside and out, when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color, warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.


  12. 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 are likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.


  13. Watch your pets


      Dogs and cats are great companions, but they are not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting in the way. Do everybody a favor and keep your dog or cat outside if you can, or at least out of the way. Be sure your home is free from pet odor that could make the buyer feel uncomfortable.


  14. Think volume


      Rock 'n roll will never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it’s time to show your home, it's time to lower the volume on the stereo or TV.


  15. Relax


      Be friendly, and don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distractions or interruption.


  16. Don't apologize


      No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory remark about your home, let your Real Estate Associate handle the situation.


  17. Keep a low profile


      Nobody knows your home as well as you do, but your Real Estate Associate knows the buyers. She/He will know what they need or what they want. The Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.


  18. Don't turn your home into a second-hand store


      When a prospect comes to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell your furnishings. You may lose the biggest sale of all; that is, your home.


  19. Defer to experience


      When prospects want to talk about price, terms and conditions, or other real estate matters, let them speak to the expert, your Real Estate Associate. That's when a good agent earns his or her pay by pursing highly effective negotiating and training techniques to use.


  20. Help!


      Your Real Estate Associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the agent’s office. You’ll also appreciate the results. If a prospect contacts you directly, get their name and number and give it to your Real Estate Associate.