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Try
to look at your house through the buyer's eyes as though
you've never seen it or been there before. Any time or money
that you spend on the following items will bring you more
money in return and hopefully a faster sale.
Outside |
Inside - Repairs |
Inside - Preparation
| Inside - Decoration
| During the showing
Outside:
CURB APPEAL REALLY WORKS! Check the condition of the house -
especially the front door and trim. Paint or polish if
necessary and sweep the front porch. Clear rain gutters, and
check the roof for dry rot.
KEEP THE YARD TRIM AND TIDY. Go around the perimeter of the
house and move all garbage cans, discard wood scraps and
other refuse. Look at the plants; prune bushes and trees and
make sure that no plants block the windows. Weed all
planting areas and
remove any dead plants. Keep lawn freshly cut and
fertilized.
WASH THOSE WINDOWS. Nothing costs so little and adds so much
as clean windows. Dark rooms do not appeal and look small.
CLEAR PATIOS OR DECKS of all small items such as small
planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, toys, etc.
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Inside Repairs:
REPAIRS MEAN REWARDS. Fix those sticking doors and loose
knobs, warped cabinet doors and other minor flaws. They
detract from home value.
FIX THAT FAUCET! Dripping water discolors sinks and tubs and
suggests faulty plumbing.
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Inside Preparation:
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. Display your attic and garage by
removing all unnecessary items. Pack unneeded things in
boxes and stack them neatly out of the way, or rent a
storage unit.
MAKE CLOSETS LOOK BIGGER. Neat closets show that space is
ample. Pack unused clothing in under-the-bed storage boxes.
You'll be one step ahead in moving.
SAFETY FIRST. Keep stairways clean and avoid cluttered
appearance and possible injury.
A SPARSE KITCHEN helps the buyer mentally move their own
things into your kitchen. Clear all unnecessary objects from
the kitchen countertops. If it hasn't been used for three
months, put it away. Clear refrigerator fronts of messages,
pictures, etc.
BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOUSES. Repair caulking around tubs and
showers. Remove any unnecessary items from countertops,
tubs, shower stalls, and commode tops. Keep only your most
needed cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc. in one small group
on the counter. Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
Make this room sparkle!
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Inside Decoration:
DECORATE FOR QUICK SALE. Faded walls and woodwork reduce
appeal. Wash or polish interior doors and paneling. Clean
carpets and drapes that need it. Take down, or rearrange
certain pictures or objects on walls and patch or paint them
if necessary.
LET THE SUNSHINE IN. Open the draperies and curtains to make
your house cheerful. During showings, turn on all the lights
and lamps.
REARRANGE ROOMS NEATLY. Remove excess furniture. As owners,
many times we have too much furniture in a room.
This is wonderful for our own personal enjoyment; however,
when it comes to selling, we need to thin out as much as
possible to
make rooms appear larger.
REMOVE THOSE UNNECESSARY OBJECTS THROUGHOUT. Keep decorative
objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1,3,or 5
items.
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During the Showing:
PETS? Keep them out of the way and preferably out of the
house. Have the children take them for a walk when the house
is being shown.
AVOID HAVING TOO MANY PEOPLE AROUND. The customer will feel
like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
MUSIC IS MELLOW - BUT not when showing a house. Turn off the
radio, stereo, and TV. Create an atmosphere conducive to
talking.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN! So be courteous and helpful and then be
quiet!
WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE? Do not try to sell the
furniture to a prospect before they have purchased the
house. |
