What can you do to prepare your house for showing? What small steps can be taken to increase your chances for a quick sale? Efforts to improve the appearance of your house can contribute greatly to its marketing success. Small efforts such as replacing defective light bulbs, repainting damaged trim areas around doors and windows, cleaning the carpets; and adding finishing touches such as fresh flowers can make all the difference.
PREPARING AND SHOWING YOUR HOUSE
1. TWO'S A COUPLE AND THREE'S A CROWD.
Don't have too many people present during a home inspection, since the potential purchasers will feel like an intruder and want to hurry through your house to get away from the crowd.
2. MUSIC SOOTHES THE SAVAGE BEAST
but not the potential buyer. When showing your house, turn off that blaring radio or television. Let the salesman and buyer talk freely, and not be distracted.
3. PUT FIDO IN THE BACK YARD
While a dog is "man's best friend", this is not the case when showing your home. Keep all your pets out of the way and not underfoot.
4. IN THIS CASE - SILENCE IS GOLDEN!
Be courteous and friendly, but don't try to "force" conversation with a potential buyer. He's there to inspect your home, not to pay a social call.
5. "BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE"
there's no place like home. Never apologize for the appearance of your home...since you're living in it. Should any objections or derogatory comments be offered, let a trained salesman answer them - since that is his job.
6. STAY IN THE BACKGROUND WHEN THE BUYER IS IN YOUR HOME.
The salesman knows the buyer's needs and desires, and can better emphasize the virtue of your home when you aren't "tagging along". If there are any questions, he will call you if you are needed.
7. DON'T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE!
Trying to sell the potential purchasers any of the furniture or furnishings which you're not taking with you, before they've purchased your home, can quite often lose the sale...so "cool it".
8. A WORD TO THE WISE
Let your real estate salesperson discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He's been trained and has this type of experience, so let him bring your negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
9. GO AHEAD AND USE OUR SALES PEOPLE.
We recommend that we show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through our office. This cooperation on your part will be sincerely appreciated and will help us "close" the sale more quickly.
10. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST LASTING !
Remember that when that prospect comes to look at your house, the first thing he will see is your home's front door! Be sure that it is fresh, clean and well-scrubbed looking. Also be sure that your lawn and landscaping is well manicured and trim looking in appearance. Be sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. If it snowed, check to be certain that you've removed the ice and snow from the walk and steps.
11. DECORATING + YOU = QUICK SALE !
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why try to tell a prospect how your home could look...when you could show him by a resonable amount of redecoration? A quick sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new wallpaper in the kitchen or bathroom will pay dividends for you.
12. LET THE SUNSHINE IN.
Open those drapes and curtains all the way, so the prospect can see for himself how bright and cheerful your home can be. Remember...dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most of us.
13. DON'T BE A DRIP!
Fix that leaky faucet since dripping water discolours sinks and suggests faulty or warn plumbing.
14. LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT!
Take a few minutes to check to be sure that your doors don't stick or have loose knobs on them. Do the same for your windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed since they distract from your home's value a very great deal.
15. SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS!
Keep those stairways clear and clean and don't leave them cluttered, since this will also avoid injuries around your home.
16. FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM.
Display the full value of your attic, basement, and other utility space (including crawl spaces) by removing all unnecessary articles and junk. If your basement is dark and dreary, a coat a paint can do wonders.
17. WE ALL LIKE BIG CLOSETS!
Make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized to show that your home has ample closet space.
18. BATHROOMS SELL HOMES.
Make these rooms sparkle from end to end. Check and repair any damaged or discoloured caulking in the bathtubs and showers, and be sure that the towels and area rugs are bright and sparkly.
19. YOUR BEDROOMS SHOULD MAKE YOU SLEEPY, BUT NOT YOUR PROSPECTS!
Keep these rooms bright and cheerful. Remove any and all excess furniture and be sure and use attractive and colourful bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
20. HAVE YOU SEEN THE LIGHT?
Your home's illumination can be a "welcome" sign to that prospective buyer! Be sure and turn on all your outside and inside lights when showing your home at night, since he'll feel a glowing warmth as a results of your lighting.
21. AN ADDED TOUCH.
Be sure to give your CENTURY 21® sales associate a list of things your family likes about the house and the neighbourhood, chances are, what attracted you to your home, will attract a new buyer, and your associate can emphasize this.
