PREPARING TO SHOW YOUR HOME

Let your home smile a welcome to buyers.

1.             First impressions are lasting.  The front door greets the prospect.  Make sure it is fresh, clean, and scrubbed looking.  Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.

2.             Decorate for a quick sale.  Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal.  Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by redecorating?  A quicker sale at a higher price will result.  An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.

3.             Let the sun shine in.  Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.  (Dark rooms do not appeal.)

4.             Fix that faucet.  Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

5.             Repair can make a big difference.  Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value.  Have them fixed.

6.             From top to bottom.  Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.

7.             Safety first.  Keep stairways clear.  Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.

8.             Make closets look bigger.  Neat well-ordered closets show that space is ample.

9.             Bathrooms help sell homes.  Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.  Make this room sparkle.

10.         Arrange bedrooms neatly.  Remove excess furniture.  Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

11.         Can you see the light?  Illumination is like a welcome sign.  The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

12.         Three’s a crowd.  Avoid having too many people present during inspections.  The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry though the house.

13.         Music is mellow.  But not when showing a house.  Turn off the blaring radio or television.  Let the salesman and buyer talk free of disturbances.

14.         Pets underfoot?  Keep them out of the way—preferably out of the house.

15.         Silence is golden.  Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer.  He or she wants to inspect your house not pay a social call.

16.         Be it ever so humble.  Never apologize for the appearance of your home.  After all, it has been lived in.  Let the trained salesman answer any objections.  This is his job.

17.         In the background.  The salesman knows the buyer’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t tag along.  You will be called if needed.

18.         Why put the cart before the horse?  Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.

19.         A word to the wise.  Let your Realtor discuss price terms, possessions and other factors with the customer.  He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to favorable conclusion.

20.       Use your Agent.  Show your home to prospective customers only if appointment is through your Agent.  Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help close the sale more quickly.