Hints To Get The Most Money For Your Property

The Exterior

1. Lawn: Make sure the lawn is neatly mowed, raked, and edged.

2. Trees/Shrubs: Prune and shape them to compliment your house.

3. Flowers: Consider adding seasonal flowers.

4. Sidewalks/Driveways: Sweep and wash to remove debris, dirt, and stains. Repair and patch any cracks.

5. Painting: Check your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. You can’t find a better investment when you are selling your house. Don’t let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on.

6. Doors/Windows: check to see if all doors and windows are in good working order. Clean and paint doors if necessary, wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked windowpanes. Screens should be free of any tears or holes. Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning properly.

The Interior

1. Atmosphere: When placing yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home. Keep color, lighting, and smell in mind as you go through this checklist. Create the atmosphere of your home as a shelter, a place that is safe and warm, and in good condition.

Smell: A clean-smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. that may have adverse affects on potential buyers.

Color: Be cautious when selecting colors when painting or replacing carpeting. The key is to promote your home to the largest segment of the buying market as possible.

Lighting: Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes, etc. Add lamps and lighting where necessary. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs. Increase the wattage of the bulbs in the basement area.

2. Walls: Check for peeling paint, loose wallpaper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones.

3. Floors: Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs. Clean and polish linoleum, tile, and wooden floors. Consider refinishing wood floors if necessary.

4. Closets: Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for the move. Organize them, to demonstrate the efficient use of space. Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.

5. Furniture: Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible. Consider removing furniture from the rooms that are too crowded. Avoid clutter. Pack up Knickknacks-both to protect them and to give the room a more spacious feel if necessary but leave enough items to give the home a personal touch. Dispose of unneeded items. Store large furniture if necessary.

6. Woodwork: Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets.

7. Bathrooms: Cleanliness is the key. Make sure that all surfaces are spotless and remove non-skid decals that are in poor condition. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and repair caulking, store all personal care products out of sight. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly. Clean all mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products. Clear off countertops. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers. Shampoo throw rugs. Consider bringing out your best soaps and towels. Add a plant for color and freshness.

8. Fireplace: Sweep and clean the fireplace. Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance. You are welcome to have a fire going during the showings-it creates a great atmosphere.

9. Appliances/Light Fixtures: Clean, bright, sparkling, and shiny.

10. Dining Room: Consider adding fresh or silk flowers, or setting the table with an attractive arrangement.

11. Kitchen: Avoid clutter-store small appliances whenever possible to maximize the appearance of workspace. Clean and organize all storage space. Sinks, cabinets, appliances, counter tops should be clean and fresh.

12. Basement/Attic: The basement and attic should be cleaned and organized. Be sure that the stairs are cleared, well lighted and that the handrail is secure. Remove and dispose of any items that will not be moved with you. Pack other items neatly in boxes.

13. Garage: Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains. Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc.

During Shows

Be sure to open drapes and turn on all the lights.

Tidy up the kitchen and bathrooms and make the beds.

Vacating the home is the ideal situation for the demonstration of your property. Whenever possible, do not stay in your house with the prospects during showings or, have as few people as possible in the house during showings, since the potential buyers will feel like and intruder and want to hurry through your home to get away from the crowd.

If you are in your home during showings, please stay in the background when the buyers are there. The salesperson knows the buyer’s needs and desires, and can better emphasize the features of your home when you are not present. If there are any questions, the sales person will find you if you are needed.

Have confidence in our sales associates! Let the sales associates discuss the selling price, terms, possession dates, and other factors with the customer. Remember, the sales associates have worked for many hours with the prospects, and know what they are looking for. Let him or her do the job without interference and bring your negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.

If you have any direct inquiries about your property, refer them to your listing sales associate. We recommend that your home be shown by appointment to prospective customers through our office. This cooperation on your part will be sincerely appreciated and will help us sell your home more quickly.