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1.
Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a
clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a
freshly painted – or at least freshly scrubbed –
front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's
winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles
between prospects and the true appeal of your home,
the better.
2.
Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean
up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If
your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading,
consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper
adds charm and value to your property. If you're
worried about time, hire professional cleaners or
painters to get your house ready. Remember,
prospects would rather see how great your home
really looks than hear how great it could look "with
a little work."
3.
Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks,
and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out
bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark.
Don't let little problems detract from what's right
with your home.
4.
Don't Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you
can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's
mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations
when you can easily plane them away. A little effort
on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
5.
Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set
booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned
extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging
overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous
as possible for uninitiated visitors.
6.
Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than
just comfortable living space. They're looking for
storage space, too. Make sure your attic and
basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.
7.
Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it
appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted
clothes and donate them to charity.
8.
Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and
repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and
showers. For added allure, display your best towels,
mats, and shower curtains.
9.
Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your
bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess
furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains
are a must.
10.
Open up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and
drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery
your home is.
11.
Lighten up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights
- both inside and outside - when showing your home
in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and
make prospects feel welcome.
12.
Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they
enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving
your house the attention it deserves, they're likely
to hurry through. Keep the company present to a
minimum.
13.
Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when
you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for
getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep
Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.
14.
Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a
real estate transaction. When it's time to show your
home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.
15.
Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation.
Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of
distraction.
16.
Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for
its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a
derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let
your experienced RE/MAX Associate handle the
situation.
17.
Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX
Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and
what they want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have an
easier time articulating the virtues of your home if
you stay in the background.
18.
Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't
distract them with offers to sell those furnishings
you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of
all.
19.
Defer to Experience - It's the Experience®
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other
real estate matters, let them speak to an expert -
your RE/MAX Sales Associate.
20.
Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time
selling your home if showings are scheduled through
his or her office. You'll appreciate the results!
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