Get Ready…Start Outside!

Stand across the street, and take a good look at your home from a potential buyer's viewpoint…

• Are there too many cars parked in front?
• How does the lawn look? Is it trimmed? Are spots in need of reseeding? Get the landscaping in excellent condition.
• Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches, and decks. During the summertime plant flowers.
• Is the fencing straight? Does it need refreshing with stain or paint? Does any part of the house, trim, decks, gates, or front door need painting? Remember when a buyer comes to look at your house, the first thing he/she sees is the front door.
• Wash screens and windows on the outside. Buy things that will enhance the house for showing, but you can also take with you: a new welcome mat, big potted plants, and pots of flowers for the patio or deck.

Freshen Up The Inside…

The emotions you are trying to stimulate are activated by sensory experience. Focus on the senses, especially smell and sight. Clean, fresh scented homes will sell faster!

• Selective painting will help to add a fresh look…badly faded walls or worn woodwork reduces the appeal.
• Dress up windows with freshly laundered curtains. Colorful curtains in harmony with countertops and floors add warmth to kitchens and baths.
• Check all light bulbs and replace those that are out. Detail all light fixtures.
• Is the oven/range and sink clean and tidy?
• Remove things from your closets and cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away.
• Eliminate unnecessary articles, which have accumulated in your attic, utility, and storage areas.
• Be sure the hallways and stairwells are clear; this will help to open them up.
• Do you have too much furniture? Store it in the attic, garage, or maybe sell it.
• Brighten dull garage and storage areas by painting the walls and using high wattage light bulbs.
• Sparkling, clean bathrooms sell homes. The opposite is also true…a dirty bath can repulse a buyer.
• New towels are an excellent enhancer.
• Does the interior need painting? Spending $1,000 on paint may balance a $10,000 price decrease. Make your rooms shine.
• Keep all areas free of hazards.
• Illumination is like a welcome sign…keep light sockets filled with operational bulbs and plug ins.
• Clear away clutter…wash dishes, put away laundry; straighten newspapers and magazines, etc.
• Consider professionally cleaning or replacing the carpet, if needed.
• Be sure all appliances are dirt free and in working order.
• Remove and replace any ornate item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep, for example a special chandelier.

Minor Repairs Make Sense…

Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your home value. Don't make major changes, except for new carpet and paint (in a neutral color, if necessary).

• Dripping faucets lead buyers to question the plumbing system.
• Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers or doors need attention.
• Touch-up all caulking, especially in the bathrooms.
• In general, if it's busted and you know it's busted…FIX IT!

OKAY, It's Show Time…

Carpe' Diem

• Turn off the television. It is very difficult for an agent to keep the attention of a prospect focused on your home if an interesting special on the television is competing for their attention.
• Turn on the stereo…tune in to a soft “easy listening” station and turn the volume down low. This allows buyers to imagine themselves in a peaceful, serene environment.
• Let the sun shine in! Open all window shades, drapes, and curtains.
• In the winter, build a fire…if you have enough notice.
• Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way, preferably out of the house.
• Check the temperature… warm in the winter and cool in the summer, please.
• Turn on every light in the house just before leaving; this includes closet lights and special heat lamps in the bathroom. This makes the house seem bright and cheery.

Remember the Golden Rule…Treat your prospective buyer the way you would like to be treated. Be as discriminating as you would be if you were searching for a new home, while preparing your residence for showings. Most feel they are imposing on you when looking at your home, so it is best to be gone when they arrive.