- First impressions are lasting! The front door greets the potential buyers. Make sure it is fresh and clean. Paint the trim, if necessary. Sand and restain it if the sun has not been kind to the door.
- Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of clutter. Reseed and fertilize the lawn, if necessary. Weed the gardens, and add mulch. Deep green grass makes a lasting impression. In winter, overseen with winter rye to add color.
- Decorate for a quick sale. Paint over any bright colors with a neutral color. The same goes with wallpaper. Have carpets professionally cleaned. You'll get a faster and higher offer if the home looks fresh.
- Brighten the home. Open draperies and blinds and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Remove solar screens to let more light in. Remember that dark homes don't show well.
- Do the windows and window screens work well and look good? Have the windows spotless inside and out. Don't forget window sills. It is amazing what you can see on the sill of a high living room window from the top of the stairs!
- Are the appliances sparkling clean and operating properly?
- Fix dripping faucets! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
- Small repairs can make a big difference. Make sure doors don't stick and all lights work.
- From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, closets and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Move items into temporary a storage facility if you need to.
- Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Make sure all rails are secure.
- Show off your large closets. Make sure everything is neatly hung and folded. Again, consider storage.
- Bathrooms help sell homes. They need to shine. Again, declutter in here.
- Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and fresh looking window coverings.
- Remove or mention to your REALTOR® any attached items that are not included, such as special chandeliers, shelving or garden plants. These items should be listed on the Seller's Disclosure.
- Have your REALTOR® show you a list of homes in the area that will be your competition. Study how they compare to yours.
- Ask your REALTOR® for a list of ways to improve the marketability of your home without wasting time and money. Take advantage of my home staging consultation.
- Even with blinds open, a home can look dark on a cloudy or rainly day. Make sure to have working bulbs in all lamps. Consider placing full spectrum bulbs in the kitchen and bathrooms. Incandesant bulbs have a yellowing effect.
- Fill our the Seller's Disclosure completely, accurately and honestly.
- Start looking for your new home. The last thing you want is to get a great offer and have nowhere to go. Are you moving out of the area? Ask me how you can reduce your closing costs when buying a new home.
- Get ready for your move. If you are leaving the area, make sure and get several quotes from reputable moving companies.
- Consider offering an additional percentage point or bonus to the Buyer's Agent. Agents will show your first if you offer a bonus.
Does this seem a little overwhelming? It does to some and you shouldn't worry if it is to you. Part of what I offer sellers is a free home staging consultation. Learn more about staging your home.
OK, the house has been prepared, what's next?
Showing The Property:
- If at all possible, don't require potential buyers to make an appointment with your REALTOR®. We're not always available and you don't want to make it difficult for someone to see your house.
- Be ready to leave. Buyer's don't always give you much time.
- It is always best not to be present when an agent is showing your home to prospective buyers. People will rush through if you are present. The people looking also need to be able to talk freely when looking at your house.
- Open the blinds and turn on the lights.
- Music is fine, but keep if soft.
- Make sure the house smells good. Eliminate any odors whenever possible.
- Make sure the temperature is comfortable. Showing time is not the time to worry about utility bills.
- Have you got pets? Take them with you whenever possible. A dog in the back yard may keep people from looking at the yard. If you leave a dog in the garage, please put a large sign on the door to the garage.
- Make sure that copies of Seller's Disclosures and flyers are available.
- If you must be present, try to remove yourself from the people looking at the house. And don't get into a conversation with them. Let the agents do the talking.
- After the showing, collect any business cards that have been left and make sure your REALTOR® gets them.
Now that your home is ready, it's time to put it up for sale and market it. Establishing a marketing strategy with your real estate agent is a must. Your agent will expose your home to the most potential buyers possible using a marketing plan that will have the highest possibility of bringing not only the most buyers, but also the most qualified buyers, to your doorstep. Today, there are many technology driven ways to market homes. Most buyers now use the internet to research areas and homes before even talking with an agent. Make sure your agent is tech savvy.
Now it is time to move on to listing your house. |