A buyer’s first viewing of your
home are the photos they see online. I need your help to get the best
possible pictures. Make sure no dishes are in the sink, clean dishes
are put away, stove top and oven should be clean as well. Carpets should be clean and vacuumed, laundry is put away or at least in a
hamper in the closet, not on the floor, same with shoes. Beds are
made. Dust fans, heating and AC vents and clearing out cobwebs on
ceilings and walls. If you have already started packing get all the
boxes in one room or area of the house. Make sure bathrooms are
clean, garbage cans are hidden or emptied. Holes in walls are patched
and painted. If you haven’t painted in years and your walls are
marked and stained, you may want to consider making this small
investment. If painting is out of the question at least consider
wiping down the really bad areas. Be sure lawn is maintained, trim
shrubs. If it’s fall, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel
the walkways, de-clutter as much as possible, inside and out.
You will have showings. Your home should present as neat and
clean as possible. You will be surprised all the details a picture
will show. We can’t get great pictures if you don’t prepare. If a buyer
gets the impression you don’t value your home, they won’t see the
value in it either. Buyers often get the impression if they can see signs of neglect just by walking in what other possible major items are being neglected too?
Be mindful to check for leaking or dripping plumbing, check and repair damaged or unsightly
caulking, light bulbs are working, doors, windows and cabinets close
properly, all staircases are cleared of clutter, wires/cords are out
of the way. Now is the time to try and organize your closets, the
larger they appear the better. So if you have items you have been
meaning to part with now’s the time to box up them up and donate
them. Bathrooms and Kitchens sell homes so let yours do their part,
display your best hand towels, mats, window coverings and shower
curtains. Light it up! Open curtains and drapes to let the sun shine
in. Turn on all your lights, both inside and outside when showing
your home, whether it’s day or night keep it bright.
Got Pets? We all love our fur babies, please make safe
arrangements for your furry family members when perspective buyers
come into the home. It’s possible that your pet can get underfoot,
frightened or even run for the door and get out. We want to avoid
these issues at all cost.
Ever go nose blind? Those
commercials are no lie. Odor can be real turn off to buyers. I have
seen great homes sit on the market for no other reason than it
smells. Try to air out the home prior to a showing, lighting a
candle, baking cookies is a great strategy. Avoid spaying fragrant
aerosols just before an open house or a showing, as they tend to be
over powering at first then fade quickly. FYI there are some smells
that come from serious issues. If you suspect an issue that maybe the
cause of an odd odor have it investigated before a buyer comes into
your home.
If you must be home during a showing
or an open house be friendly and polite but keep a low profile.
Buyers want the ability to view the home at their own pace with some
privacy. Hovering over them you will likely make them feel
uncomfortable causing them to leave earlier than they would have
liked. Even if they are comfortable with you hanging about and
carrying on in a conversation with you, the buyers focus is no longer
going to be just on the house. When prospects want to talk price,
terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert -me.
Don’t discuss any of these details with another agent or a possible
buyer.
Before showings and open houses
please make sure to put all cash, jewelry, medications and other
items of high value away or under lock and key. We as agents do keep
eyes and ears open for suspicious activity, of course we will notice
if they are walking out with your TV but Buyers will open closets and
cabinets that it not uncommon, tiny items aren’t always noticed. I
want you to be cautious and mindful of your valuables. Many agents
know and their buyers very well so it is a rare occurrence that
anything is ever taken but still be cautious.
Finally, we are going to place your
home on the market to SELL it, otherwise we are just listing it and
that it not the GOAL the GOAL is to SELL. In order to sell your home,
buyers must have opportunity to view your house. The more flexible
you are about showing times the more buyers will view it. I also
suggest that you consider planning to have at least one open house.
You play an important role in the sale of your property, so get
ready and prepare to SELL.