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Selling Advice
Selling a Home
As a
homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your
property. When you take the following steps, you’ll help me sell your
home faster, at the best possible price.
The
easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to
enlist a quality home service professional. The right professional can
help you get everything in order - from repainting the kitchen to
providing a thorough cleaning - so you can stay focused on more
important things.
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 at least freshly
scrubbed – front door. If it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If it’s winter,
shovel the walkways. 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 the living room,
the bathroom, 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. If you’re worried about time, hire professional
cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, 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 or faulty wiring 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 your
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
Bathroom 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 shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects
can see how bright and cheery your home is.
11.
Lighten
up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and
outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and
warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
12.
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 at least out of the way.
13.
Keep a
Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But REALTORS know buyers -
what they need and what they want. Agents will have an easier time
articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
14.
Defer to
Experience - It's the Experience®
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters,
have them speak to me directly.
Help Me
Sell Your House
I will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled
through my office. You'll appreciate the results!
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