etting Your Home Ready

Tips for Selling you Home
Let your home smile a welcome to buyers:

With a little effort on your part, your home can be made more attractive to buyers.
These 20 tips have proven invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention:

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING
The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and inviting. Keep lawn trimmed, edged and free of refuse in the Summer and clear of snow and ice on sidewalks, steps and driveways in the Winter.
2. 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 your home décor will pay dividends.
3. LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Open draperies, curtains and blinds and let the prospect see how cheerful you home can be. (Dark rooms are generally not appealing)
4. FIX THAT FAUCET
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing
5. REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from your home's value. Have them fixed.
6. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility spaces by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls.
7. SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and potential for injuries.
8. MAKE CLOSETS LOOK BIGGER
Neat, well ordered closets show that the space is ample.
9. BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES
Check and repair caulking in bath tubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!
10. ARRANGE BEDROOMS NEATLY
Remove excel furniture. Use attractive bed spreads and freshly laundered curtains.
11. CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT
Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening appointment.
12. 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.
13. MUSIC IS MELLOW
But, when showing a house, turn off radios and television. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbance.
14. SHOW ONLY BY APPOINTMENT
We ask that you show your home to prospective customers only by appointments made in advance. Ask the name of the salesperson and the office they work from.
15. PETS UNDERFOOT
Keep your family pets out of the way of prospects – if possible remove them from the house for showings.
16. SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Be courteous, but don't force conversation with potential buyers. They want to inspect your home, not pay a social call.
17. 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.
18. IN THE BACKGROUND
The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. You will be called on if needed.
19. WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before they have purchased the house often loses the sale.
20. A WORD TO THE WISE
Let the salesperson discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the prospective buyer. They are capable of bringing negotiations to a favorable conclusion.