TIPS ON SELLING YOUR HOME
Let your home smile a "welcome" to buyers.
With a little effort on your part, your home
can be sold more quickly and at a better price. These
20 tips have proved invaluable to
owners and are worth your special attention.
Preparation for showing:
1. First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect.
Make sure it is fresh,
clean, and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged and the yard free of
refuse.
Be sure snow and ice are removed from walks and steps.
2. Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and 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 higher price will result. An investment in
new kitchen wallpaper
will pay dividends.
3. Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let prospects
see how cheerful
your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal).
4. Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
5. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and
windows,
warped cabinet drawers and minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.
6. From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basements,
and other utility
space by removing all unnecessary articles. brighten dark dull basements by
painting walls.
7. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
8. Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample.
9. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs
and showers.
Make this room sparkle.
10. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive
bedspreads
and freshly laundered curtains.
11. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The
potential buyer will feel
glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.
SHOWING THE HOUSE:
12. Three is a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during inspections.
The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
13. Music is mellow. However, not when showing a house. Turn off the
blaring radio or
television. Let the salesman and buyers talk- free of disturbances.
14. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way. Preferably, out of the house.
15. Silence is golden. Be courteous but do not force conversation with
the potential buyer.
He wants to inspect your house - not pay a social call.
16. Be ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home.
After all,
it has been lived in. Let the trained salesman answer any objections.
17. In the background. The salesman knows the buyer’s requirements
and can better
emphasize the features of your home when you do not tag along. Be absent . You
can be called if needed.
18. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture
and furnishings to t
he potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
19. A word to the wise. Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession,
and other factors
with the customer. He is eminently qualified to conclude negotiations.
20. Use our salesman. We ask that you show your home to prospective
customers only by
appointment through this office. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will
help us close
the sale more quickly.
Making your home stand out can lead to a quicker sale.
You do not have
to spend a fortune to prepare your home for sale. Sometimes
adding a little paint, having
the carpet cleaned, or fixing that hole in the wall
can make a big difference in having your
home sell quickly and for the price you’re looking
for.