California Department of Real Estate License No.
00899135
Preparing Your Home for Showing
Once you've decided to sell your home,
there are a number of things which you can do to help get the best
possible price in the shortest amount of time.
Your REALTOR is an expert in marketing
homes. However, selling your home is a joint effort with you
playing an important role in the final results. Your major
role is to make your home as attractive as possible to potential
buyers.
Remember that first impressions count.
You should do everything you can to make that first impression a
positive one. People who consider buying your home will be as
critical as you are in searching for your new home.
Take an inspection tour of your home,
observing it as a potential buyer would. Take note of any
minor repairs and painting that need to be done.
Here are some tips from your REALTOR
which have proven valuable to homeowners in preparing their homes
for showing:
INTERIOR
Start with a full housecleaning from
top to bottom. Don't let dirt and clutter obscure your
home's good points. Discard unused and unnecessary items
in storage areas and closets. Eliminating clutter will
give your home a more spacious look.
1.
Walls should be
clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
Consider a fresh coat of paint if a good washing doesn't do the
trick. Inspect woodwork and wallpaper for problem areas.
2.
Arrange furniture to make each room
appear more spacious and attractive. If a piece of
furniture is badly worn, store it temporarily in the attic or at
your neighbors.
3.
Wash windows and sills until
sparkling clean. Curtains and drapes should be freshly
laundered.
4.
Shampoo rugs and carpets.
Floors should be waxed.
5.
Repair loose doorknobs, sticky doors
and windows and warped drawers.
6.
Fix leaky faucets and eliminate
water discoloration in sinks.
7.
Tighten loose stair banisters and be
sure steps are clear of objects.
8.
Light Fixtures should be in good
repair. Replace discolored or cracked switch plates.
9.
Clean out closets to display their
roominess. Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and
other objects are tidily arranged.
10.
Bathrooms should be sparkling clean.
Repair caulking on tubs and showers.
11.
Bedrooms should appear neat with
attractive spread and curtains.
12.
Clean and organize the basement,
attic and garage.
DON'T OVER IMPROVE
Many families tend to learn to live
with broken doors and a cracked window. All of these
little things should be fixed because no prospective buyer wants
to do the work you have stacked up.
Use caution in planning major
improvements that you think will enable you to get more for the
house than you think. Of course, an investment in a paint
job where it's obviously needed will be well worth the cost.
The same is true of replacing carpeting that is shabby enough to
be a turn off.
Most people out shopping for a house
would rather plan their own major changes, and you are usually
wiser to show them the potential at a price they can afford.
EXTERIOR
Since the exterior of your home will be
the first thing a prospective buyer sees, it is very important to
create a good first impression.
1.
Keep the lawn
trimmed and edged. Weed and cultivate flower gardens.
Trim shrubs and eliminate dead trees or branches. Pick up
any debris, toys and lawn equipment.
2.
Repair any fences or gates.
Give them a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
3.
Is the exterior well painted, the
roof in good repair as well as gutters and downspouts?
4.
Wash down driveways and sidewalks.
Check them for cracking and crumbling.
5.
Replace any cracked windows and torn
screens.
6.
The entrance should be clean and in
good repair. The doorbell and front light must be in good
working condition.
SHOWING THE HOUSE
1.
The television and radio should be
turned off. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of
disturbance.
2.
Send children and pets outdoors to
play. This will eliminate confusion and keep the prospects
attention focused on your home.
3.
Leave drapes open for light and
airiness. It it's nighttime, all lights should be turned
on to give the rooms appearance a cheerful effect.
4.
Be sure the kitchen sink is free of
dishes and rooms are uncluttered.
5.
Be courteous but don't force
conversation with the potential buyer.
6.
Never apologize for the appearance
of your house, after all it has been lived in. Let the
trained salesperson answer any objections.
7.
The salesperson knows the buyer's
requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home
if you don't tag along. You will be called if needed.
8.
Let your REALTOR discuss price,
terms etc. with the customer. Your REALTOR is better
qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
