Recommendations For Selling A Home FAST
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING
The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean & scrubbed looking. Use plug in air-fresheners and candles abundantly. Keep lawn trimmed & edged, and the yard free of refuse. Change furnace filter and have serviced if necessary
DECORATE FOR A QUICK SALE
Faded walls & worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a high price will result. You can’t find a better investment when you’re selling a house than a few cans of paint to brighten up its interior.
LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Open draperies & curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.)
FIX THAT FAUCET
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Check for toilets that rock & snug them up.
REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Loose knobs, sticking & squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe there will be ten problems they haven’t noticed for every one they do see.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Rent a storage locker if need be.
SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle! Remove all stains.
ARRANGE EVERY ROOM NEATLY
Remove excess furniture; nick knacks, personal family photos, etc. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
HARMONIZE THE ELEMENTS
FM radio or stereo softly, TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the daytime, closed at night. If it’s hot, cool it; if it’s cold, light a crackling fire.
YOU CAN SELL PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP FASTER AND FOR MORE MONEY
It’s called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you’ll take lots more silver out.
MAKE CLOSETS LOOK BIGGER
Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample
THREE’S A CROWD
Avoid being at home during showings-use this time to run errands or take a walk.
MUSIC IS MELLOW
But not when showing the house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances. Background “soft-playing” music is an excellent choice.
PETS UNDERFOOT?
Keep pets out of the way-preferably out of the house. Many people are uncomfortable around some animals. Many pets react when felt intruded upon.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
It’s best for buyers and sellers never to meet, but if they do be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house, not pay a social call. Best to refer questions to the agents.
BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections. This is their job.
NEVER STAY IN YOUR HOUSE WITH HOUSE HUNTERS
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possibly can. Remember, that agent has worked many hours with these people, and knows what they’re looking for, and how to work with them. Let him or her do the job without interference. You may feel that an agent isn’t showing the important features of your home to the prospect, but the agent knows people aren’t sold by details until they’ve become emotionally involved with the big picture of your home. The presence of any member of the seller’s family can’t help, always unnerves possible buyers, and often prevents a sale. Don’t put this obstacle in your path; please leave when buyers are coming.
WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to a potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale. Speak to your agent about items you wish to sell. Often if you brought it up, you’ll see it show up on the offer contract asking you to “throw it in.”
A WORD TO THE WISE
Let you Realtor discuss price, terms, possession, building inspection items and other factors with the prospect. Your Realtor is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.