Home Sellers Guide
-First impressions are vital
When potential buyers comes to visit your house, the first thing they will notice is your front door ! Be sure that it is clean, and fresh. Be sure your lawn and landscaping is well kept and neat. Be sure your yard is free of leaves. In winter, be sure that you’ve removed the ice and snow from walk and steps.
-What you show is what you get
Faded paint and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your property. Why try to tell a potential buyer how your house could look… When you can show them with a small amount of redecoration ? This will result in quicker sale at a higher price. Keep it as neutral and tasteful as possible! Kitchens and bathrooms are often key areas for most buyers, refresh them and make these areas look good.
-Let the sun shine in
Always open the drapes and curtains fully, this will show potential buyers how bright and cheerful your house is!
-Fix any leaks
Dripping water discolored sinks, this suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing to your prospective buyer.
-The little things do matter
Take a couple of minutes to verify that none of the doors in the house stick or have loose knobs . Same goes for windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your property’s value.
-Safety first
Keep stairways clean and clear since this will avoid injuries around your property, as well as avoid detracting by distraction.
-From top to bottom
Showcase your basement, and other utility spaces by clearing up clutter. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders if your basement is dark and dreary. Pick light colors, they will brighten any dark room. Always use the brightest lights possible!
-Big closets
Everyone loves big closets, make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized. There are many space saver products available for example at Ikea. This will help de-clutter your storage areas and show that your house has ample closet space.
-Bathrooms sell homes …
It is a fact that bathrooms are often one of the key features that future buyers pay close attention to while shopping for their future home. Make them sparkle! Pay close attention to the damaged or discolored caulking in the bathtubs and showers, remove and reapply new caulking if need be. Make sure that towels and area rugs are bright.
-Bedrooms should feel cozy …
Keep all bedrooms bright and cozy. Remove excess furniture, they will make the rooms seam smaller. Be sure to use attractive and colorful bedspreads, and fresh curtains.
-Shine on …
Your home’s brightness can be a welcoming sign to prospective buyers!
Turn on all the lights inside and out when showing your property night. It will have a glowing warmth from the lighting.
-Leave the house during planned visits and open houses.
You do notwant the potential buyers to feel like an intruder and hurry through your house without even giving it a chance. If you must be present, be kind. Let the agent do the talking.
-Unnecessary noises
When your house is being shown, turn off the radio or televion. Let your RE/MAX agent and buyer talk freely, without distractions.
-Pets
Keep all animals out of the way. Some people may dislike animals and automatically be turned off by their presence
-Silence is golden
Be courteous and friendly, but do nott try to force a conversation with a potential buyer. He is there to visit your home.
-Be it ever so humble
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. If uncomplimentary comments are made, let the experienced RE/MAX real estate agent answer them. That is his job.
-Stay in the background
If there are any questions, the real estate agent will ask you. Your RE/MAX agent knows the buyer’s needs and desires and can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you are not “tagging along”.
-Do not put the cart before the horse …
Trying to sell the prospective purchasers any of the furniture or furnishings which you arenot taking with you, before they have purchased your home, can often lose the sale… so “cool it”.
-Odours
This is always a touchy subject to bring up. Plugging a few air fresheners never hurt!
-A word to the wise
Let your RE/MAX real estate agent discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other factors with all potential buyers. He has been trained and has the necessary expertise to handle these situations, so let him bring your negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
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