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- First impressions are lasting. The front door should
be fresh and clean, and the yard should be neat and cleared of any toys or
debris. The entry area is most important.
- Make certain that your home is clean and appealing.
If the walls look dingy, paint or re-paper or wash them. A bright and fresh
appearance contributes greatly.
- Fix any dripping faucets. Not only do they discolor
sinks, but they suggest that plumbing repairs may be needed, whether or not
they actually do.
- Fix any loose knobs, sticking doors, windows, and
drawers. Failure to do so may be interpreted as a sign of neglect. Little
items are the easiest and least expensive to do.
- Bathrooms are a selling point: make certain that
everything is shining. Clean and repair bathtub and basin caulking. Clothes
and personal items should be put away.
- Make certain the kitchen and all appliances are
spotless. A few "knickknacks" are okay.
- Cluttered rooms look smaller than they are; remove
excess furniture and "things".
- Closets and storage areas can look larger by
disposing of items you don't need and storing the rest neatly. Clearing them
out now will also help your move!
- If paint on the exterior trim is peeling, it's time
to get out the paint brush.
Once you get everything in shape, here are some
additional points for showing your home:
Before the prospective buyer arrives, create a
cheerful atmosphere by opening drapes and curtains and turning on lights.
Temperature should be comfortable inside.
Pleasant scents are nice in the form of simmering
potpourri, scented candles, or the ultimate fragrance; freshly baked bread,
pie or cookies!
Avoid having too many people present. Potential
buyers may feel like intruders and will hurry through. Give them time to look
at all of the nice "extras" you have!
Unless pets are quiet, peaceful, and well-behaved,
get them out of the way.
Soft background music may be acceptable, but turn
off blaring stereos, radios, and televisions. They can only impede
discussions.
Silence is golden. Too much talking on your part can
only distract from the buyer's inspection of your home, and may lead to
unwanted face to face negotiations.
Never apologize for the appearance of your home.
After all, it's been lived in. Let your REALTORR
react to any of the comments.
It's a good idea to stay in the
background; better yet, get out of the house. Your REALTORR,
a trained salesperson, is familiar with the buyer's needs and can point out
the significant features of your home.
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