A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION CAN HELP SELL YOUR HOME.
You can assist your real estate Agent or Broker when you are showing
your home to prospective buyers by remembering that first impressions
are the most lasting and the most important to its sale.
Your major role as a seller will be to make your home as attractive as
possible to potential buyers. The time, effort and limited financial
investment involved can give you the competitive edge needed to sell
your home when you want - at the price you want.
YOUR HOME'S EXTERIOR CREATES THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER'S FIRST IMPRESSION
Since the exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer
sees, a little time and effort can make a big difference in the impression
your home creates. And pay big dividends when the sale is made.
Use this check list to make sure your home's exterior looks its best:
Lawn
is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and drive.
Flower
garden is weeded.
Shrubs
are trimmed and dead trees and branches are eliminated
All
debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are neatly stored.
Fences
and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary.
The
roof, gutters and downspout are in good repair.
Driveways
and sidewalks are washed down and checked for cracking and crumbling.
Cracked
windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens, windows and window
sills are washed. Doorknobs are polished.
Doorbell
and front lights are in good working order.
NEW
COAT OF PAINT
If you have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider
painting the house before showing it. A new paint job, well done, will
normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the
paint.
If your home's exterior looks clean, orderly and in good repair, that's
the impression your house will first convey.
A SPOTLESS INTERIOR WILL REINFORCE YOUR HOME'S GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Interior dirt and clutter can obscure your home's good points, so start
with a full house cleaning from top to bottom. Store unused or unnecessary
items in closets and storage areas or hold a garage sale. Eliminate clutter
and your home will look more spacious - an important selling point.
Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential
buyer would.
Walls
are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
Woodwork
and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas; wallpaper is cleaned
and woodwork is waxed.
Badly
worn furniture is temporarily stored in family's or neighbor's attic
or basement.
Curtains
and drapes are freshly laundered or cleaned.
Rugs
and carpets are shampooed. Floors are waxed.
Loose
doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped drawers are repaired.
Leaky
faucets are fixed. Water discoloration in sink is eliminated.
Loose
stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of objects.
Light
fixtures are in good working order. Discolored or cracked switchplates
are replaced.
Closets,
shelves and drawers are organized to display spaciousness.
Clothing
is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged.
Bathrooms
are sparkling clean. Tub and shower caulking is repaired.
Bedrooms
are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are attractive.
The
kitchen is clean and tidy, including cupboards, stove and oven.
The
basement, attic and garage are clean and well organized.
Mirrors,
picture frames and glasses covering pictures are clean.
Mirrors
are strategically placed to create an impression of added space in
problem areas.
Lamp
shades are in good condition.
Electrical
connections are plugged in.
Consider
painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning doesn't do the trick
GOOD
LIGHTING
It is also important to keep lighting in mind when you show your home.
Good lighting will make your home seem more cheery and spacious.
OVER-IMPROVING DOESN'T PAY
Don't plan major improvements on your home. Most home buyers want to
make their own major changes. You are usually wiser to sell them the
potential - at a price they can afford.
You can do a lot to help your real estate agent show your home. Showing
your home is all important to its sale, and there are many ways you can
help your real estate professional do his or her job successfully.
Here are some last-minute details that will maximize your home's selling
potential:
The
television and radio are turned off or low enough to allow the salesperson
and buyer(s) to talk, free of disturbances.
Children
and pets are sent outdoors to play or otherwise entertained to eliminate
confusion and to keep the prospect's attention focused positively on
your house.
Bad
odors are eliminated. Air freshener is used before the potential buyer
arrives, especially if you have pets or if the house has been closed
up for some time.
The
house has adequate lighting (during daytime drapes are open; at night
plenty of lights are on, including the porch light).
Wood
is stored next to the fireplace. In winter a fire is lit.
The
kitchen sink is free of dishes.
Magazines
and children's toys are in order.
Plants
have been watered and look healthy.
Fresh
flowers are arranged tastefully around the house.
What
you can do while your house is being shown:
Be
courteous, but don't force conversation with the potential buyer(s).
Ask
your real estate broker or agent if your presence is necessary.
Never
apologize for the appearance of your home. Let your real estate broker
or agent answer any objections.
Leave
it to your real estate professional to emphasize the features of your
home.
Make
sure your agent or broker knows where you are so you may answer questions,
but don't tag along.
Let
your real estate professional discuss price, terms, possession and
other factors with the potential buyer(s).