20 Steps to Sell Your Home:
1. Make the Most of that First
Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free
porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted or scrubbed front door.
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 living room,
the bathrooms, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is
fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and
value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home
really 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’s right with 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 a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain away sticky situations
when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on you part can smooth
the way toward a closing.
5. Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps:
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 uninitiated visitors.
6. Make room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living
space. They’re looking for storage space too. Make sure your attic and
basement are 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
up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
8. Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or
unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your
best towels, mats and shower curtains.
9. Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. 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 drapes so prospects can see how
bright and cheery your home is.
11. Light up the Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and out -
when showing your home in the evening. Light add color and 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’re likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.
13. Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you’re showing your home.
Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor; Keep
Kitty and Spot outside, or a least out of the way.
14. Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction.
When it’s time to show your home, it’s time to turn down the stereo or TV.
15. Relax
Be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation. Prospects want to view
your home with a minimum of distraction. Better yet, take the opportunity to
go for a walk or visit.
16. Don’t Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a
prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home’s appearance, let
Gary handle the situation.
17. Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But Gary knows buyers - what they
need and what they want. Gary will be able to articulate the virtues of your
home better if you stay in the background or even choose to be elsewhere.
18. Don’t Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don’t distract them with offers to
sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of
all.
19. Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let
them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX Sales Associate, Gary Andrews!
20. Help Your Agent
Gary will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled
through this office. You’ll appreciate the results!
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