1.
Make
the Most of the First Impression
Never underestimate the importance of outward appearances - especially
where your home
is concerned. Potential buyers begin their decision-making process early,
with their first
glance at your property. A well-maintained 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
in the living room, the
bathroom, the kitchen...If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading,
perhaps you
might want to consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper in the
kitchen or bath
can add charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how
great your home really looks than hear you tell 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 leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little
problems detract
from what's right with your home.
4.
Don't
Short 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: rollerskates 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 Bathrooms 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 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 out - 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. Your RE/MAX Sales
Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your RE/MAX
Associate may have an easier time articulating virtues of your home if
you stay in the background.
18.
Don't
Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come view your home don't distract them
with offers to sell the
furnishings you no longer need. You'll 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 the office. You'll appreciate the results.
Give us a call to learn more !
