TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

If you're a seller, think like a buyer. Is your home as presentable as it can be?

People often start forming their opinion even before they walk in the front door. Once they're in your home, it only takes about two minutes to form a lasting opinion about it.

Follow these steps for your house to look its best for broker previews, buyer showings and open houses. Home enhancements can more than pay for themselves in stronger offers from buyers. Remember: Look at your house through "buyers' eyes."


FIRST STEPS

  • Clean windows, walls and bathrooms
  • Paint walls in need of a fresh coat
  • Fix worn woodwork
  • Clean or replace carpet
  • Create the look of large storage areas and utility spaces by removing unnecessary items and neatly organizing kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets, garage, basement and attic
  • Make closets appear adequate by properly hanging clothes and placing shoes, hats and other items in an orderly fashion; remove items if necessary
  • Spend a few hours fixing up things that could potentially detract from your home's value; i.e., prospective buyers see dripping faucets and think your home has faulty plumbing
  • Fix loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors, holes in screens, windows that don't work, etc.
  • Make sure your appliances work

MAINTAIN FOR EACH SHOWING

  • Exterior of home should have "curb appeal"
  • Keep lawn mowed and edged, shrubs trimmed, flower beds cultivated
  • Remove snow and ice from walks and driveway
  • Pick up lawn tools, toys and newspapers
  • Clean up after pets

INTERIOR

  • Pick up toys and shoes
  • Make beds and put away clothes
  • Tidy up bathrooms, set out "show" Towels
  • Do a quick dusting
  • Give carpets a once-over with the vacuum; straighten rugs
  • Empty wastebaskets

ATMOSPHERE

  • Open drapes and shades and turn on all the lights to make your house look light and bright; open windows to freshen rooms
  • Set a comfortable temperature; cool in summer, warm in winter
  • Turn off television; play soft background music
  • Keep pets out of the way; make sure all pet areas, including litter boxes, are clean and free of odor; use air freshener if necessary

ADDED TOUCHES

  • Prepare tables with flowers and place settings; set out game or "coffee table" book
  • Start a fire in your fireplace on a chilly day
  • Create pleasant aroma with fresh baked cookies or bread

SPECIAL TIPS FOR SHOWINGS

  • Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medications and other valuables
  • It is usually best if you can leave while your house is being shown; if you're home, don't follow sales associates around. They know their buyers and can best emphasize the most fitting features of your home
  • Please save all business cards of sales associates who show your property
  • If people who are not accompanied by an agent ask to see your property, please refer them to us; we will pre-screen them
  • Don't discuss price, terms, possession or other factors with buyers. Refer them to us. We are better able to bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion as intermediary third parties. It is also not a good idea to dispose of furniture to a prospect before an offer; again leave that to us.