Home Selling Tips for a Quick Sale
Let your Home Smile a Welcome to Buyers
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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.
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Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home might look when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale and a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper, for example, will pay dividends.
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Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be (dark rooms are not appealing).
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Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
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Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.
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From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.
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Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
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Make closets look bigger. Neat well-ordered closets show that space is ample.
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Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!
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Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
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Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.
When the Agent Shows the House
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Three's a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyers will feel like intruders and hurry through the house.
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Music is mellow. But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson and buyers talk free of disturbances.
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Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way--preferably out of the house.
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Silence is golden. Be courteous, but don't force conversation with the potential buyers. They want to inspect your house--not pay a social call.
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Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. let the trained salesperson answer any objections. This is his/her job.
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In the background. The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. You will be called if needed.
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Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyers before they have purchased the house often loses a sale.
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A word to the wise. Let your Realtor® discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. They are eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
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Use your agent. Show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through your agent. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help close the sale more quickly