20 Steps to Help You Sell Your Home
1. First impressions count!
Just like Mom always said, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Look at your home’s exterior with a critical eye. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, and clutter-free porch look inviting to prospective buyers. If it’s autumn, rake those leaves. If it’s snowy, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospective buyers and getting them in the door the better your chances for selling your home will be.
2. Start with a clean slate
Once prospective buyers open the door they shoud see a tidy home, not a disaster area. Take the time to clean the living room, the bathroom, and the kitchen. Prospective buyers would rather see how great your home can really look, rather than try to imagine how great it could look with a little TLC.
3. Small oversights can turn into big deal breakers
Even though it may not seem like that big of a deal, burned out bulbs leave prospective buyers in the dark. Be sure to change them immediately! Dripping water is another little thing that can really be a big deal to your buyer. It rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or warn-out plumbing. Fix it fast! Don’t let the small stuff detract from all of your home’s good qualities.
4. Don’t shut out a sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, they’ll also stick in the minds of prospective buyers. Don’t try to explain away a sticky situation when you can easily plane it away. A little effort on your part can go a long way toward a succesful closing.
5. A safety net for your home
Home owners learn to live with booby traps: skateboards in the entryway, overloaded extension cords and even slippery throw rugs. Make sure your home is safe for prospective buyers by correcting hazardous situations.
6. A place for everything
Keep in mind, potential buyers are looking for more than just a comfy living space. They are also looking for plenty of storage place for all of their stuff. Make sure your attic, basement, garage and closets are neat and free of clutter. It’s probably a good idea to take care of these things anyway to ease your moving process when you do sell.
7. The heart of the home
You want to make sure that your kitchen is sparkling. Keep the range clean, wipe down the refrigerator, and make sure all dishes are cleaned and put away. For an extra special touch before a showing, throw on that apron and bake something. There is nothing that says home like the smell of fresh baked goods.
8. Make your bathrooms shine, shine, shine
As crazy as it may sound, bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair any damaged or unsightly caulking around tubs, showers and sinks. For even more appeal, put out your best towels, mats and shower curtains. Light candles or place an electric scent diffuser.
9. Create sweet dreams in the bedrooms
A dream house starts with a dream bedroom. Make yours appealing. Colorful bedding and fresh window treatments are a must. Layer beds with several toss pillows and a seasonal throw to create a retreat atmosphere.
10. Peel back those blinds
Let the sun shine in! Pull open your curtains, drapes or blinds so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is. The more light the better.
11. Lighten up at night
The turning point could be turning on all of your lights - inside and out – when showing your home in the evening. Lighting adds color and warmth and makes prospective buyers feel welcome.
12. Avoid big 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 rush through. Leave when possible or keep company present to a minimum.
13. Pets may pose problems
We all know that dogs and cats are great companions, but when you’re showing your home they may get underfoot. Try to do everyone a favor: Keep them outside, at a neighbor’s house or in their kennel.
14. Volume discounts matter
Rock-and-roll will never die…but it just might kill a real estate transaction. When it’s time to show your home it’s time to turn off the stereo or television.
15. Relax, but don’t distract
If you are at home during a showing be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation. Prospective buyers want to view your home with a minimum amount of distractions.
16. Be it ever so humble
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. And if a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your homes appearance or condition let your experienced real estate professional handle the situation.
17. Keep a low profile
No one knows your home as well as you do. But real estate professionals know buyers – what they need and what they want. Your real estate profeessional will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
18. Don’t turn your home sale into a garage sale
When prospects come to view your home, don’t distract them with offers to sell furnishings you no longer need. You may 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 real estate professional.
20. Help your agent and your home will sell fast
Your real estate professional will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the office. And you’ll appreciate the results – a SOLD sign!
