RON"S TIPS FOR SELLERS
When preparing to sell your home, think about how your
personal decorating style may affect prospective buyers. You want your
home to be clean and clutter-free and as neutral as possible so buyers
can visualize how their furnishings will look in your home. And keep
in mind, there is a difference between how you live in your home and
how it should look once it’s on the market.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING - The front door
greets the prospective buyer. What does your home say when potential
buyers walk in the front door? Since your front entry is your home’s
first visual impression, you want it to be as inviting as possible.
Even if your home doesn’t have a distinct entryway, you can
create one that is warm and welcoming using a few suggestions from
the pros: Establish a focal point with a plant, print or decorative
lamp. You might add attractive storage with a wall shelf or table
artfully arranged with collectibles and flowers. Or just hang a
picture or mirror on the wall, and put out a decorative throw rug.
Also keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.
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, and you can't find a better investment when
you're selling a house than a few cans of paint and a little putty
to brighten up its interior.
LET THE SUN SHINE IN - Open draperies and
curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.A
home awash with natural sunlight is highly desirable to prospective
buyers., Move large furnishings away from your windows if they block
the light or view. Lighting is an inexpensive and effective way to
enhance your decorating. If you have a particularly nice feature or
area -- perhaps a plant or artwork -- spotlighting the subject can
be a nice touch. And for a special mood in one of your rooms, such
as the dining room, install a dimmer switch. Finally, clean those
windows! Sparkling windows are a signal to buyers that you care
about your home. Repair or replace cracked panes, torn screens,
broken sashes and ropes or cords as well. When showing your home,
open your curtains to let the light shine in -- especially if the
view is nice. Create counter space. Store away extra appliances. Put
away dish racks, soap dishes and other clutter. Decrease kitchen
clutter further by removing magnets from refrigerator.
Interior Face-Lifts! - It’s only common
sense that prospective buyers appreciate the clean look of newly
painted and carpeted homes. These and other simple interior
improvements can help increase the value of your home and decrease
the amount of time it takes to sell. But remember, buyers often view
as many as 12 homes -- including brand-new homes -- before they make
a decision. To make your home more memorable, consider these
interior decorating improvements.
Have a garage sale before the home is listed. Get rid of
clutter so that the buyer can really see your home. Clean out what
you think you won't need in your next home. Pack away all that you
can. Home buyers will expect you to be preparing to move, so a few
packing boxes here and there can be used to your advantage. They
could be a good visual stimulant to someone who is "on the
fence;" they show that you are moving and are serious about
finding a buyer. Be sure, though, to find the fine line between
clutter and emptiness.
REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE - Loose knobs,
sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers,
and other minor flaws detract from home value. Dripping water
discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.Have them fixed. Many
buyers believe there will be ten problems they haven't noticed for
every one they do see.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM - Display the full value of
your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary
articles.
SAFETY FIRST - Keep stairways clear. Avoid
cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
MAKE CLOSETS LOOK BIGGER - Neat, well-ordered
closets show that space is ample.
BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES - Check and repair
caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!
ARRANGE BEDROOMS NEATLY - Remove excess
furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
HARMONIZE THE ELEMENTS - FM radio or stereo on
softly. TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the
daytime, closed at night. If it's hot, cool it; if it's cold, light
a crackling fire.
YOU CAN SELL PRIDE OR OWNERSHIP FASTER AND FOR MORE MONEY
- It's called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used
dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you'll take
lots more silver out.
THREE'S A CROWD - Avoid having too many people
present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an
intruder and will hurry through the house.
MUSIC IS MELLOW - But not when showing a house.
Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson and
buyer talk, free of disturbances. Background "soft-playing"
music is okay.
PETS UNDER FOOT? - Keep pets out of the way --
preferably out of the house. Many people are acutely uncomfortable
around some animals.
BE RUTHLES ABOUT ORDORS. If there is a smell,
your house won't sell. Use cleansers of all kinds to make the home
smell fresh, from carpet freshener to potpourri. Deodorize cat
litter and scoop litter daily. Put cedar chips inside the closets.
Be careful with room sprays, they could stimulate allergies. Use the
sense of smell to your advantage by having fresh-baked cookies on
the kitchen table.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN - Be courteous but don't force
conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your
house, not pay a social call.
BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE - Never apologize for the
appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the
trained salesperson answer any objections. This is their job.
NEVER STAY IN YOUR HOUSE WITH HOUSE HUNTERS -
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possibly can.
Remember, that agent has worked many hours with these people, and
knows that they're looking for, and how to work with them. Let him
or her do the job without interference. You may feel that an agent
isn't showing the important features of your home to the prospect,
but the agent knows people aren't sold by details until they've
become emotionally involved with the big picture of your home. The
presence of any member of the seller's family can't help, always
unnerves possible buyers, and often prevents a sale. Don't put this
obstacle in your path; please leave when buyers are coming.
WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE? - Trying to
dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyer before he
has purchased the house often loses a sale.
A WORD TO THE WISE - Let your Realtor discuss,
terms, possession, and other factors with the prospect. I am
eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
E-mail
me so we can discuss your real estate needs!
