First Impressions Are Lasting
The first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your lawn should be trimmed, walkways swept, the front door clean with a doorbell that works.
Decorating For A Quicker Sale
A minor investment in paint and wall paper will pay you dividends in the form of a better price and a quicker sale.
Let The Sun Shine In!
Open the drapes and curtains. Clean the windows so that a prospect can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home-buying prospects.
Don’t Be A Drip
Fix leaky faucets; dripping water suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing (major repair bills). Discolored, rust-stained sinks are also warning signs; they should be properly cleaned and sparkling.
Little Things Mean A Lot More
Loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows — all are negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws.
Safety First
Keep stairways and corridors clear. Clutter is unattractive and causes accidents.
Top To Bottom
Let prospects see the full value of your basement, attic, garage and closets by removing junk and cartons. Rent a short-term storage space if necessary.
Bathrooms Sell Houses
Make bathrooms sparkle. Clean stained sinks and bowls, repair any damaged or discolored caulking around bathtubs and showers.
Showing Your Home
Can You See The Light?
Illumination in your home can be the “welcome sign” for every prospect. Turn on all the exterior and interior lights, including accent & picture lights.
Avoid Crowds
Potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your home if there are too many people around. Send the kids over to the neighbors — take a walk while your house is being shown.
Silence Is Golden
When showing your home, turn down, or off, radios or television sets. Let Kathleen and the buyers talk freely without having to yell over any noise.
Put Fido Outside
Dog is man’s best friend, but not when showing your house. Keep pets out of the way; not underfoot.
This Is Not A Social Call
Be courteous and friendly, but don’t force conversation with potential buyers. They’re there to inspect your house, not to be social. Let Kathleen do the talking.
Nor Is It a Garage Sale
Don’t try to sell the potential buyers any of the furniture or furnishings that you don’t want to take with you. They haven’t bought your house yet – you could ruin the sale.