Show to Advantage

Show to Advantage...

Just as Marshall Fields and Wal-Mart market their merchandise, you have to display your home to its best advantage. Here are a few tips:

DO NOT BE ON THE PREMISES. In your studies, you may have heard of "territorial imperative." Even our puppies and kitties mark territory when a stranger approaches. In a busy restaurant, we don't fill the empty chairs at a large table. The space is already taken. Your home is your space when you are in it. Give the buyer / prospect the space during a showing. They can mentally move-in; place their furniture; even verbalize what they don't like. Give them the space and they might just buy it!

Turn on all the lights - even on a sunny day

Open the drapes

Soft music and nice smells should greet the prospect

Be sure your entrance is attractive and your front door is shiny

Trim the yard and shrubbery

IT IS REALLY SIMPLE: Make it look like it is untouched by human hands! Prepare as if a Very Special Guest were coming to dinner. The person who decides to buy is a VSG!! Prepare accordingly, read on...

Preparing Your Home to Sell!

Your home says a lot about you--so make sure it's looking its best! With a little effort your home can be sold quickly and profitably.

Here are some helpful hints--recommended by experienced residential specialists--to help you prepare your home to sell. This information is not all-inclusive and does not replace the expertise provided by a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®)

Is your home ready to show? Check it out and see for yourself...

First Impressions count

* Contact your local CRS for some helpful advice.

* Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting.

* Paint your front door (if it shows signs of wear).

Decorate For a Quick Sale

* Replace faded wallpaper.

* Repair worn woodwork.

* Paint a neutral color over walls that look old.

Let the Sun Shine In

* Open draperies and curtains. Let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.

* Turn on all lights for showings, even if the sun is shining brightly.

Simple Repairs Can Make a Difference

* Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws. These defects detract from the value of the home. (Remember: When prospects see things that need attention, they begin to worry about what they can't see).

Organize From Top to Bottom

* Remove all unnecessary articles from your attic, basement and closets. Spacious rooms (particularly storage areas) are a great selling feature.

* Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items (optional).

* Investigate the cost to store some items (optional).

Safety First

* Keep stairways clear and avoid a cluttered appearance.

* Don't overload wall plugs.

Make Your Home Sparkle

* Keep your windows clean.

* Steam clean your carpets.

* Glue back any peeling wallpaper.

* Empty ashtrays and throw out the trash. (It's important to give a good impression of how you have maintained your home).

It's a Fact; Bathrooms Help Sell Homes

* Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.

* Display fresh, clean towels and make the room attractive.

* Spray a light fragrance and make the room pleasant smelling.

Arrange Bedrooms Neatly

* Remove excess furniture

* Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Don't Cause Controversy

* Remove any signs or posters that might be controversial or offensive to your prospects.

You're Ready for showings. What's next?

So your house is ready to sell. Great! Here are some tried and true "rules" that will help you show your home easily and effectively:

Rule #1: Three's a Crowd. Try not to be present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Also, your residential specialist knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along.

Rule #2: Keep the Music Down. Pipe in classical or soft rock music, but keep the volume down low so the sales associate and buyer can talk freely without any disturbances.

Rule #3: No Pets Allowed. Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way--preferably out of the house.

Rule #4: Create a homey Atmosphere. Bake cookies or bread, or place cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm oven on the day of the showing. The aroma will make the potential buyer feel welcomed.

Rule #5: No Apologies. if you are present at the showing, never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the residential specialist answer any objections--it's his / her job.

Rule #6: Have Records Available. Have copies of your air-conditioning, heating and water bills for the past 12 months available. Also be ready to show repair bills (e.g. showing when the new roof was put on and when a new water heater was installed).

Rule #7: Silence is golden. Let your residential specialist discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers. Your residential specialist is qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

Rule #8: A Little Money Goes a Long Way. Your cooperation in cosmetic repairs will increase everyone's interest level and enthusiasm and you'll help close the sale more quickly.

IN SHORT....

* Repaint your front door.

* Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox.

* Put your kitchen appliances IN the cupboards, not ON them.

* Be sure your curtains and bedspreads are bright and pretty.

* Put higher watt bulbs in lamps and light fixtures.

* Be sure all sliding doors open and close easily.

* Have a pretty container of bright, cheerful flowers at your front door.

* MANICURE your gardens and shrubbery.

* Even in the middle of the sunniest day - Turn on every light in the house!

* If your furniture fills the room, put some in storage so that rooms look more spacious. Take the leaves out of the kitchen table if the area is small. Reposition furniture to make the room look as large as possible.

* If you have dark corners, buy a lamp and brighten that corner.

IT'S SIMPLE. Make it look like your home is a candidate for "House Beautiful" magazine.