1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE IMPORTANT
Remember, when a prospect comes to look at your home, the first thing he will see is the front door. Be sure that it is fresh, and clean and your lawn and landscaping are well-manicured and trimmed. Be sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. If it snowed, be certain that you’ve removed the ice and snow from walk and steps.
2. CURB APPEAL
Improve the curb appeal of your home by planting seasonal plants or flowering annuals in the front yard.
3. BEDROOMS SHOULDN’T SLEEP!
Keep those rooms bright, cheerful and well-kept. Remove any excess furniture and be sure to use attractive and colorful bedspreads and curtains.
4. BATHROOMS SELL HOMES.
Make these rooms sparkle! Check and repair any damaged or discolored caulking in the bathtubs and showers, and be sure that the towels and area rugs are bright.
5. SHINE ON!
Your home’s illumination can be a “welcome” sign to that prospective buyer! Turn on all of your outside and inside lights when showing your home at night and he/she will feel a glowing warmth as a result.
6. SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS
Keep stairways clean and clutter-free.
7. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Display your attic, basement and other utility space (including crawl spaces) by removing all unnecessary articles. A coat of paint can do wonders if your basement is dark and dreary.
8. BIG CLOSETS!
Make them look bigger by having them look neat and well organized.
9. STAY IN THE BACKGROUND.
Your agent knows the buyer’s needs and desires and he/she can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you’re not “tagging along”.
10. LET THE SUNSHINE IN.
Open those drapes and curtains all the way, so the prospect can see how bright and cheerful your home is.
11. FIX THAT LEAKY FAUCET
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Call a licensed plumber to address any plumbing issues.
12. LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
Take a few minutes to be sure that your doors don’t stick or have loose knobs on them. Don’t forget your windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your home’s value. Hire a home inspector to check your home thoroughly before putting it on the market.
13. CURB YOUR DOG
A dog is “man’s best friend”, but not when showing your home. Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot.
14. SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Be courteous and friendly, but don’t try to “force” conversation with a potential buyer. He’s there to inspect your home.
15. WHAT YOU SHOW IS WHAT YOU GET!
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why try to tell a prospect how your home could look when you can show him with a reasonable amount of redecoration? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Invest in painting the kitchen or bathroom. It will pay dividends for you. Call home stagers in the area for a free estimate. You'll be surprised by the big difference home staging can make to your home.
16. DON’T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Trying to sell the prospective buyers any of the furniture or furnishings before they’ve purchased your home, can often lose the sale , so “cool it”.
17. A WORD TO THE WISE
Let your REALTOR® discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He/She has been trained and has experience, so let your agent bring your negotiations to a satifactory conclusion.
18. AVOID HAVING STRONG ODORS IN YOUR HOUSE
Let the fresh air in and deodorize your kitchen after cooking fish or any food with smell that lingers on. Fresh cookies, however, would be great! Do not smoke. Do your smoking outside during the entire time that your home is on the market. You could actually lose a sale to a non-smoking buyers.
19. CLEAN HOME IS ATTRACTIVE
Clean your bathrooms and kitchen. Don’t leave dirty dishes around. The floors should be scrubbed and the carpets vacuumed .
20. LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
Keep the temperature at a comfortable setting. Address any heating and cooling issues before listing your home. Visit your local home and garden store and have flowers or greenery throughout your house.
