Exterior
Look at your property from the
buyers’ vantage point as they approach in their vehicle. If the mailbox
is the first thing they see, it should be free of dents, clean, and
fresh in appearance. Are trees or shrubs along the drive properly
trimmed back? Is the lawn mowed, hedge trimmed, garden pruned? If you
are selling your home in the fall, try to keep the leaves raked and the
lawn cleared of other debris.
Next, that all-important first
critical look at the house itself. Put yourself in the buyers’ shoes.
Stand in the driveway and imagine you are seeing your home for the first
time. Make certain the walkway to the front door is swept, that there
are no children ’s toys scattered about.
See that the roof and gutters are
clean, windows washed, doorknobs gleaming and welcome mat in place. If
you discover any obvious signs of disrepair — blistered or peeling
paint, rusted drain spouts, or missing shingles — ask your Realtor®
whether you should have them fixed before showing the home.
Interior
One word of restraint: do not
undertake any major redecorating unless it is absolutely necessary. That
beautiful new Berber carpet in the living room and Tyrannosaurus Rex
wallpaper in the children ’s bedroom may not be to the buyers’ liking.
They may see it as decoration they’ll have to replace when the home is
theirs. In most instances you are not likely to recoup the added expense
of any such work.
Repair or replace worn-out and
broken accessories. Badly chipped tiles on the kitchen counter, a broken
hand railing on the staircase, or noisy hot water heater create a
negative impression of the home’s overall condition. The rather minimal
expense of eliminating these problems is usually worth while.
Clean up! It doesn’t have to be boot camp spotless, but your home should
be generally clean and uncluttered. Wash and wax hard wood floors,
vacuum carpets thoroughly, remove grease and grime from walls. Clean
kitchen and bathroom tiles. Polish and dust your furniture, and vacuum,
if necessary.
Make certain all faucets, sinks and toilet bowls are cleaned and
properly functioning.
Thin out closets. If your clothes are packed to the rafters, place
enough in temporary storage to give the impression that your home has
adequate closet space.
Garage and basement: Get rid of the junk! You may think you can’t live
without your collection of 25 fishing rods, but your buyers will want to
see a neat, orderly space with enough room for their favorite odds and
ends. Also, put a fresh coat of white paint on the walls. It’s a minor
expense and it goes a long way toward creating the right feeling of
freshness.
Furniture: Take an hour to visit an apartment complex model. Note how
these typically small rooms are made to appear larger than they are,
with very little furniture. Traffic patterns are open and accessible;
doors to bathrooms often removed. Apply those lessons at home. Remove
two or three chairs, an end table and lamp, or other objects that are
not absolutely necessary in a room. Make sure your own traffic patterns
within and between rooms are generous.
Team With Your Realtor ®
Your Realtor® typically has a wealth
of experience in every aspect of home selling. Take advantage of his or
her knowledge and work together for a quick, successful sale:
Ask your Realtor® what else you
might do to frame your home in the best light.
Be sure to make your home available for showings. Your Realtor® spends
considerable time and effort to advertise, qualify prospects, show the
property, and ultimately negotiate the sale. Try to accommodate
requested appointments whenever possible.
Compile a short packet of information on your neighborhood: local
schools, transit systems, parks, libraries, municipal services, etc.
Also, be certain to include the cost and availability of day care, as
prospective buyers may well have children.
For other helpful tips and tools on selling your home, click on the link
to REALTOR.COM
Showing Tips
When your Realtor® calls to bring a
prospective buyer to your home, prompt attention to last-minute details
can enhance your home’s appeal:
Straighten up minor messes —
newspapers to the garage, china and silverware in cupboards, ironing
board back in the closet.
Clear tables. That collection of golf magazines may be handy on the
cocktail table, but it creates an unwanted air of clutter.
Confine your pets. Some people may tremble in fear at the sight of your
pet, even if it is a miniature Schnauzer; so keep dogs or cats in
transport kennels in the garage or basement.
Leave the lights on! Even your Realtor® won ’t necessarily remember that
the switch for the recessed ceiling lights is hidden inside the foyer
closet.
Leave home whenever possible. Your Realtor® has been hired because of
his or her expertise at home sales. Stay out of the way. Besides, buyers
may be uncomfortable if they feel you’re watching their every move.
If you can’t leave, greet your guests politely and retreat to another
room. Send the kids and the dog outside. That way your Realtor® will be
able to best answer questions and most effectively show your home.
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