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THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP SELL YOUR HOUSE FASTER
AND FOR THE BEST PRICE
The way you live in a home and the way you sell it are two different things.
How is my "curb appeal"? Curb appeal is the term used by real
estate agents for everything prospective buyers can see from the street that might make them want to turn in and take a look. Curb appeal is critical to generating traffic. Remember, first impressions
are lasting. Keep lawn trimmed, driveway sealed and yard free of refuse. Depending on the season, remove snow and ice from walks and steps or plant colorful flowers. The front door greets the prospect
, so make sure it is painted, clean and sports a pretty wreath.
Decorate for a quick sale. Fresh paint is the least expensive way to
decorate. Dress up windows with clean curtains. Keep colors light and neutral.
Kitchens and baths sell a home. Make them sparkle and shine.
Repair leaky faucets which can suggest faulty plumbing. Check and replace caulking in tubs and showers. Hang matching towels and shower curtain.
Repairs can make a big difference. Loose door knobs, sticking doors
and windows, and other minor flaws detract from the value. Have them fixed. (When prospects see things that need attention, they worry about things they can't see).
Let the sunshine in. Open blinds, draperies and curtains. Turn on all
the lights for an evening showing. Let the prospect see how cheerful and warm your home can be.
Show from top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic,
basement, garage and utility area by "spring cleaning" now. Packed boxes in these areas look neater then clutter, and it will get you on your way for the move.
Make closets look bigger. Neat closets appear larger and show that
the space is ample.
Neatness does counts. Wash dishes, put away clothes, make beds,
get rid of old newspapers, vacuum often.
Safety first. Keep stairways clear of hazards and clutter.
Three's a crowd. If possible, leave your home while it is being shown.
If you must be home, avoid having too many people present during showings. The prospective buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
Adorable children and lovable pets. Keep pets out of the way -
preferably out of the house, and do not allow children to tag along on the visitors tour. Some may be annoyed, while others attention is diverted from the house.
Silence is golden. Be courteous and accommodating but remember
this is not a social call. Don't discuss anything concerning the sale. Let the Realtor® discuss the price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer.
A word to the wise... Let the salesperson show the property. The
salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can emphasize the features of your house that meet their needs.
Why put the cart before the horse? Never try to sell furniture to the
prospective buyer before the deal is done.
Be it ever so humble... Never apologize for your home's appearance.
It only accents the negative and detracts the positive.
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