HOME SELLING TIPS

First Impressions
With some effort on your part, your home may sell more quickly and bring a better price.
These 20 tips have helped others get their property ready to show. We hope they will be of value to you.

Preparation for showing;

1. First impressions are lasting. The front door greets prospects. Make sure it is clean and polished looking. Keep lawn trimmed, edged and free of refuse.
   
   
2. Apply fresh paint and polish. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Don’t make your prospects guess how your home could look- show them by painting walls and ceilings. Decorator touches, such as wallpaper and mirrors, may enhance the living space.
   
   
3. Let the sun shine in. Clean windows, open draperies and let the prospects see how cheerful your home can be.
   
   
4. Fix leaky faucets. Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
   
   
5. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors/windows, warped cabinet drawers and minor flaws detract from the home’s value. Have them fixed.
   
   
6. Bathrooms can help sell a home. Check and repair caulking in tubs and showers. Make the bathrooms sparkle!
   
   
7. Safety first! Keep stairways clean. Avoid a cluttered appearance and possible injuries.
   
   
8. Don’t overlook the closets. This could be a great time to have a Garage Sale and clean out your closets. Neat, well ordered closets appear more spacious and inviting.
   
   
9. From top to bottom…Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility spaces by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark storage areas by painting walls.
   
   
10. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspread and freshly laundered curtains.
    
    
11. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. Be sure to light up every room prior to a showing.
    
    
12. Three’s a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. Prospects may feel they are intruding and hurry through the house.
    
    
13. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way –preferably out of the house.
    
    
14. “Silence is golden” Be Courteous but avoid conversations. Allow your realtor to respond to the buyer’s questions.
    
    
15. Be it ever so humble Never apologize for the home. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections.
    
    
16. Stay in the background… The real estate agent knows the buyer’s requirements and can be better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t accompany the tour. You will be called when needed.
    
    
17. Use the sales tools your offered. Yard signs will constantly attract attention to your home. Lockboxes give the showing agents the freedom they need to show your home when it is convient for their prospects. You can always specify that an interested party call first.
    
    
18. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyers before the have purchased the house often losses a sale.
    
    
19. A word to the wise. Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers. Realtors are eminently qualified to bring negations to a favorable conclusion.
    
    
20. Use your real estate salesperson. We have found that you will have a better selling experience when you work with a real estate agent or broker.