12 Steps to Selling Your Home
MAKE THE MOST OF THAT FIRST IMPRESSION
A well-manicured lawn and shrubs and a clutter free porch welcome
prospects. So does a freshly painted or a freshly scrubbed front door.
If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter make sure there is no
ice on the sidewalks or steps. The fewer obstacles between prospects &
the true appeal of your home, the better.
INVEST A FEW HOURS OF FUTURE DIVIDENDS
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the
living room, the bathroom and the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed
or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecorating. Fresh
wallpaper adds charm and value to you property.
Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear
how great it could look, with a little work.
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.
DON'T SHUT OUT A SALE
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they
will also stick in the prospect's mind. Don't try to explain sticky
situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort can
smooth the way toward a closing.
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 light. Make your residence as
non-perilous as possible for visitors.
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.
CONSIDER YOUR CLOSETS
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time
to box those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
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,
your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
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.
OPEN UP IN THE DAYTIME
Let the sun in. Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can
see how bright & cheery your home looks. Be sure your windows are
sparkling clean too.
LIGHTEN UP AT NIGHT
Turn on the excitement. Turn on all your lights both inside and out
when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color, warmth
and make prospects feel welcome.
WATCH YOUR PETS
Dogs and cats are great companions, and they're not with your showing
you home. Pets have a talent for getting in the way. Do
everybody a favor, keep your dog or cat outside if you can, or at least
out of the way. Also be sure you home does not have any pet odor that
could make the Buyer feel uncomfortable.
Help your agent: Your agent will have an easier time selling your
home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. Offer to
help keep an eye on the brochure box attached to your sign and make sure
it is always filled with flyers. Try to accommodate prospective buyers
when they want to see your home.
I have more tips for you on my "Special Reports"
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