Is
My Home Ready to Sell?
Courtesy
of the Council of Residential Specialist
Giving Your
Home the ‘On-the Market’ Makeover - You work with a Certified Residential Specialist
because he or she is best able to sell your home quickly and
profitable. But
remember: Your relationship with your Certified Residential
Specialist is a partnership.
While he or she markets your property and screens
potential buyers, it’s up to you to give your home a
simple, inexpensive sprucing up that can go a long way
toward a speedy sale.
With that in mind, here are some
helpful hints gathered from Certified Residential
Specialists across the country.
Before the Showings Begin
Hint:
First Impressions are Lasting Impressions
The exterior of your home often
determines how buyers will view the interior so here are a
few tips:
*
Make sure your front entrance is clean and
inviting
*
Paint or replace your front door if it is
faded or worn
*
Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other
outside features showing signs of wear
Hint:
Beauty is More than Skin Deep
Buyers often see the surface
condition of your home as a sign of what’s underneath, so:
*
Keep windows and floors clean
*
Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas
that have come away from the wall
*
Repair worn woodwork
*
Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral
color
*
Steam clean carpeting or replace it if
necessary
*
Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and
windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and
other minor flaws
*
Check and repair caulking in the bathtubs and
showers.
Hint:
Accentuate the Positive
Try to see your home with a fresh
perspective and arrange each room to bring out its best
attributes, including:
*
Open draperies and curtains to let the light
in during the showings
*
Remove all unnecessary clutter from your
attic, basement and closets to better display spacious rooms
(consider storage or a garage sale to dispose of extraneous
items)
*
Arrange all your rooms neatly and remove
excess furniture
*
Keep fresh, clean towels in the bathroom
*
Use candles or air fresheners to make the room
smell pleasant
Hint:
Put Your Home in the Best Light
Strategically lighting your home,
even during daytime showings, can create a cozy mood and
highlight positive attributes of each room.
You might:
*
Avoid the use of overhead lighting that makes
rooms look washed out and lifeless.
*
Be creative and arrange lamps to help smaller
rooms seem larger, and large rooms seem more intimate.
*
Use lighting to highlight the “living
area” of your home, such as a pair of chairs near a
fireplace, or a table in a breakfast area.
*
Put the spotlight on the strengths and
potential of your home.
*
Create the right mood and atmosphere given the
room’s function, color scheme, etc.
*
Accent the positive aspects and unique
features of each area of your home
*
Define the space and bring the room to life.
Hint:
Leave the Selling to the Professional
Buyers often feel uncomfortable in
the presence of a homeowner.
Here are a few suggestions to help alleviate that
situation:
*
Try not to be present during inspections
*
If you are home, never apologize for the
appearance of your home
*
Only the Certified Residential Specialist
should discuss any objections and subjects like price,
terms, possession and other factors with the buyers
Hint:
Keep the Disturbances Down
Potential homebuyers have a lot to
take in, so minimize distractions.
*
Pipe in classical, jazz or soft rock music,
but keep the volume low
*
If possible, turn off the ringer on your phone
during showings
*
Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding
dishes out of the way - preferable out of the house
Hint:
Create a Homey Atmosphere
A buyer tries to picture themselves
and their family living in your home, so:
*
Create a pleasant aroma by baking cookies or
bread, or placing cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm oven on
the day of the showing
*
If you have a fireplace, light it during the
wintertime showings
Hint:
Have Records Available
Even if a buyer doesn’t stud them,
having records available can make it clear you are
conscientious and have nothing to hide.
*
Have copies of your gas, electric and water
bill from the last 12 months available
*
Be ready to show all home improvement and
repair bills.
