1.
Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs
and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted
– or at least freshly scrubbed – front door. If it’s autumn, rake
the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles
between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
2.
Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate.
Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork
is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration.
Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. If you’re worried
about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house
ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really
looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."
3.
Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors
sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs
or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don’t let little problems
detract from what’s right with your home.
4.
Don’t Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home,
you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try
to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away.
A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
5.
Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set
booby traps: Roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords,
slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence
as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.
6.
Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more
than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space,
too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary
items.
7.
Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it
appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate
them to charity.
8.
Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check
and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers.
For added allure, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains.
9.
Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your
bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful
bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
10.
Open up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains
and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
11.
Lighten up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your
lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening.
Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
12.
Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when
they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house
the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the
company present to a minimum.
13.
Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not
when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot.
So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least
out of the way.
14.
Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill
a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's
time to turn down the stereo or TV.
15.
Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation.
Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.
16.
Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize
for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment
about your home's appearance, let your experienced RE/MAX Associate
handle the situation.
17.
Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But
RE/MAX Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they
want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time articulating
the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
18.
Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't
distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer
need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.
19.
Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or
other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX
Sales Associate.
20.
Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time
selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office.
You'll appreciate the results!
