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Homeowners play
an important part in the timely sale of their properties. Remember,
potential buyers would rather see how great your home really looks than
how great it could look "with a little work."
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.
Invest a Few
Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Tidy the living room, the
bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading,
consider some minor touch-ups and redecorating. Updating the hardware on
kitchen cabinets, adding new slipcovers to sofas and keeping a vase of
fresh flowers in the entryway are some simple touches that can go a long
way. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters
to help 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."
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 those problems detract from what's right with your
home.
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.
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 safe as possible for
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.
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.
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 that 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 Crowded
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
It's best if you're not there when your home is being shown. However if
that's not possible, be friendly – but it's not necessary to force
conversation. Prospects want to view your home with minimal 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 - It's the Experience®
When prospect buyers 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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