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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. Find a landscaper or painter
to help.
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." Find
a cleaning service or handyman to help.
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. Find a plumber, electrician or general
contractor to help.
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. Find a handyman
to help.
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.
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. Find a contractor to help.
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.
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. Find a contractor
to help.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects
want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! |
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