There are a number of important steps and items to check when selling any house or residence. Experience has taught us that every home sale is unique. Yet every sale — from putting the house on the market to settlement day — shares a common process. This real estate seller’s checklist with tips can help make selling your home a much more successful experience.
- First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.
- 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 new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.
- Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal).
- Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
- Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from value. Have them fixed.
- From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.
- Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearance and possible injuries.
- Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample.
- Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.
- Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
- 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 inspection.
- Three’s a crowd. Avoid having too many people present. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
- Music is mellow. But not when showing a house. Turn off blaring radio and television. Let the salesman and buyer talk, free of disturbances.
- Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way- preferably out of the house.
- Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house – not pay a social call.
- Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesman answer any objections. This is his job.
- In the background. The salesman knows the buyer’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t tag along. You will be called if needed.
- Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
- A word for the wise. Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
- Use your agent. Show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through your agent. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will close the sale more quickly.
