Advice For Sellers

The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh and clean looking. Keep the lawn trimmed, edged, and free of refuse.

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how the home could look when you can show him by cleaning and oiling? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in fresh paint and “elbow grease” will pay dividends and you can not find a better investment when you are selling a house.

Open draperies and blinds and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms are not appealing!

Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

Loose knobs, sticking/squealing doors and windows, and other minor flaws detract from a home’s value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe that with every problem, there are 10 problems they haven’t noticed.

Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Short term, off-site storage areas are relatively inexpensive, or eBay can get rid of that treasure trove, too!

Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and potential injuries.

Neat well organized closets show that space is ample. A little money spent on closet organizers reaps large returns.

Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!

Remove excess furniture, use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Play the stereo or a CD softly; turn the TV off, turn all the lights on, day or night; keep the drapes open in the daytime, closed at night. If it is too hot, cool it and if it is cold, light a fire.

It is called “cleanliness,” and cleanliness has more buyers than dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen and you will take more silver out.

Avoid having too many people around during showings. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. The buyer’s objections may not be forthcoming when the seller is present. You can not overcome objections if the buyer does not feel comfortable to share them.

Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson discuss buyer-talk free of disturbances. Background “soft playing” music is beneficial.

Keep pets out of the way — preferably out of the house. Many people are acutely uncomfortable around some animals.

Be courteous, but do not force conversation with the potential buyer. It is best to allow them to preview the home without any distractions.

Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, is has been lived in. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections, this is their job.

Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possibly can. Remember, the agent has worked many hours with the people, they know what they’re looking for and how to work with them. Let them do their job without interference. Do not put any obstacles in your path and please leave when the buyers are coming.

Let your realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the prospect. He/she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.