Suggestions To Sell Your Property

1. First Impressions. The exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective purchaser sees. Keep it neat and clean. Be certain lawns and shrubs are well-trimmed to give the house a well-maintained appearance.
2. Clean Windows. Sparkling windows with your best curtains, drapes or blinds continue the perception of a well-maintained home.
3. Redecoration? If any part of your home needs redecoration badly, do so only if economically feasible. Remember you want to get back the money you put in.
4. Clean Basement. Cluttered basements retain dampness and the smell of mildew and leads buyers to think of water problems even when none exists. If a water problem exists, do not attempt to cover up the water stains with paint. Paint will not stick, walls will peel and flake and buyers will assume you are hiding a problem worse than what may exist.
5. Keep Stairways Clear. No need to have a potential buyer introduce you to his attorney and your insurance agent over a slip or fall. Objects on stairs and missing handrails are dangerous and demonstrate negligence.
6. Empty Closets. Cluttered closets stuffed from top to bottom tell prospective buyers your home's closet space is inadequate, Move out of season items to the attic or storage room or better yet the trash.
7. Sparkling Bathrooms are rated equal with kitchens as the most important areas to buyers. Do all you can.
8. Light. Bright rooms appear larger. If a room is dark because of window size or lack of sun, turn lights on. At least post a sign to show how lights may be turned on, especially in the basement. Briefly stated, turn as many lights as you can.
9. Get Out Of The House. When the buyer arrives, greet them politely & quickly. They are not relatives. We suggest you leave the house to the yard or at least stay in one room. Do not follow them – you will chase them away. Do not try to sell the property pointing out details. Inform the buyers if they have any questions you will be happy to answer them, then go away and wait for them to finish.
10. Pets. Most people like dogs, a few are terrified. They distract attention from your home. When the buyers arrive put them outside.
11. Radio and Television distract the buyers. Do not even use them as background noise.
12. If Using A Realtor – Let The Salesperson Talk. Be polite, but do not strike up a conversation with the customer. You do not know what the agent may have told the customers about your home and anything you say may contradict it.
13. Never Apologize For Appearance, it will only call attention to the condition of your home.
14. First Sell The House. Do not try to sell the customer any furniture, rugs, appliances, terms, or possession if buyer is accompanied by a real estate agent. If something in your home is desired by the buyer the agent will let you know. Items included in the sale or are negotiable should be noted on your listing fact sheet or placed on your listing if you are employing the Realtor multiple listing book. The point here is, first sell the house.
15. Night Appointments. Turn on the porch lights and driveway lights. There is no need to show your home after 8 PM.
16. Vanilla In The Oven. Some suggest pouring vanilla extract on a cookie sheet and warming the oven to produce the homey sweet smell of cookies. We suggest you keep all smells neutral or non-existent. You may be a lousy cook!

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