Home Sellers

Did you know that people usually decide within the first two minutes whether they like your home or not?  In fact, they often start forming their opinion before they even walk through the front door.  And, the first impression is the lasting impression.

 So, ask yourself if your home is as presentable as it could be for a fast sale at the best price.  The best way to answer this question is to imagine yourself as the prospective buyer.  Perhaps you've been looking at other homes, so approach your present home the same way you look at other houses.  Be objective and be honest!

• A well mantained front yard, neatly trimmed bushes and shrubs, clean, swept decks and walk ways create a good first impression.
• Trim overgrown shrubbery or trees that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.
• Paint you house if necessary.  Paint is inexpensive when compared to the return on investment.  If you decide against painting, perhaps just some touch up on the window shutters and the front door. (again "first impression")
• Make sure the front door area is clean and un-cluttered.  A new door mat, clean door and door handle and place potted flowers near the front door. (color is important!)
• How does the roof look?  Are there any missing shingles to replace? What about the gutters and down spouts?  Do they need paint or repair?

• The entry floor should be in good shape.  Is there any grout touch up needed?
• Is the entry un-cluttered?  This is a good time to start packing away "stuff".  There is a big difference between stuff we live with and stuff we pack away when putting a house on the market to sell.  The more "stuff" that is in a room, the smaller that room will appear.
• Depersonalize!  This means take the family pictures off the wall and pack away the collectables.  The last thing you want is to distract a prospective Buyer with your belongings.  Depersonalize the teenagers room, too!

• The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house.  Make it bright and open feeling.  Put away any small appliances ~ create counter space.  Remove dish racks, soup dishes...etc.
• Clean out the drawers and cabinets.  Prospective Buyer will open them.
• Repair or replace any loose or broken tile and touch up missing grout.
• Clean the ventilating hood in the kitchen.

• Repair dripping faucets
• Remove stains from toilets, bathtubs, sinks and showers. 
• If the sink or bathtub drain is slow, unclog them.

• Touch up drywall cracks, nail pops or tape joints. (these are easy to fix)
• Check ceilings for leak stains.  Fix the cause of the damage, repair the ceiling and paint.
• Remember, when painting or redecorating, stick to neutral colors.
• Wash windows and clean window screens.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Clean out closets ~ Buyers do open closets!
• Use air fresheners to eliminate any bad odors
• Lubricate any squeaky or sticky doors
• For sliding glass doors that stick in their tracks, rub the tracks with paraffin or candle wax.

• Clean it out!  Schedule a garage sale before listing you house and dispose of everything that your not going to move and pack away everything you won't need until your settled in you new home!

• Open all draperies, window shutters and shades to let the natural light in.  This also makes a room appear larger!
• Turn on the lights!  Have your home well lit during showings.
• If you have a spa or water feature, have it running during showings
• Have the house as neat as possible.  Clutter is very distracting to a Buyer and it makes a room appear smaller.
• Flowers on the counter top and soft background music is a nice touch
• Put your pets outside when you are showing your home.
• If possible, leave your home while the Realtor® is showing your home.  Buyers feel much more comfortable if they don't feel that the Seller is lurking.  However, if you stay during the showing, don't tag along when your Realtor® is showing your home; only answer questions asked of you.  Don't volunteer additional information.