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well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch
welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted – or at least freshly
scrubbed – front door. If it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If
it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between
prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
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Here’s your chance to clean up in real
estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your
woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor
redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property.
If you’re worried about time, hire professional cleaners or
painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather
see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could
look "with a little work".
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Dripping water rattles the nerves,
discolors sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned
out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don’t let
little problems detract from what’s right with your home.
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If cabinets or closet doors stick in your
home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect’s mind.
Don’t try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily
plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way
toward a closing.
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Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of
self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned
extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead
lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for
uninitiated visitors.
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Remember, potential buyers are looking for
more than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for
storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and
free of unnecessary items.
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The better organized a closet, the larger
it appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and
donate them to charity.
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Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine.
Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and
showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats, and
shower curtains.
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Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of
your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture.
Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
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Let the sun shine in! Pull back your
curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your
home is.
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Turn on the excitement by turning on all
your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in
the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel
welcome.
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Potential buyers often feel like intruders
when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your
house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through.
Keep the company present to a minimum.
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Dogs and cats are great companions, but not
when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting
underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or
at least out of the way.
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Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might
kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home,
it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.
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Be friendly, but don't try to force
conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of
distraction.
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No matter how humble your abode, never
apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a
derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let your
experienced Realtor handle the situation.
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Nobody knows your home as well as you do.
But we know buyers - what they need and
what they want. Your Broker will have an easier time
articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
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When prospects come to view your home,
don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no
longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.
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When prospects want to talk price, terms,
or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your
agent.
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We will have an easier time selling your
home if showings are scheduled through our office. You'll
appreciate the results!