Real Estate Selling Tips

EYE APPEAL FROM THE STREET You want the prospective buyer's first impression to be positive. Look at your house from the outside, and ask yourself whether you would want to go in. Your yard should be clean and the grass freshly mowed. Weed the garden and trim the shrubbery. If you keep your car in the driveway, wash it. Even touches such as a new doormat, a brass knocker and flower-filled window boxes make a difference.

CREATE THE MOOD In the winter, keep a fire burning in the fireplace; in the summer, leave the air-conditioning on. Play pleasant music. Create a fresh, homely scent by burning cinnamon sticks. Put fresh flowers in the foyer and in key rooms. Open draperies and curtains to let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.

GENERAL TIPS

• Windows   Repair or replace torn or bent screens, or remove them completely.
• Walls   Patch all major holes in wallboard and plaster. Paint where necessary. Wallpaper should be clean. Clean or paint air-vent covers.
• Doors   Check that all doors, including sliding doors, open and close freely and don't squeak. Tighten hardware, particularly doorknobs.
• Floors   Replace missing or damaged pieces of tile. Repair a loose stair tread plate or loose carpeting.
• Carpet   Steam-clean soiled carpets. If pet odors are present, clean the carpet some time before your home is placed on the market. Anchor loose carpeting.
• Countertops and cabinets   Overcrowding gives the impression of inadequacy in both kitchens and bathrooms. Store items not frequently used, particularly counter-top appliances.
• Garage   It's hard to evaluate the potential of a garage if it's filled to overflowing. You may want to consider moving theses items to a mini-warehouse during the selling period. See that the garage door opens freely, and if you have an automatic door opener, be sure it is in good working order.
• Driveway   Clean up grease of oil spots; remove the soil at least, if not the stains. If possible, don't park cars, recreational vehicles or boats in front of the house or in the driveway.
• Kitchen  Most buyers take a long, hard look at the kitchen. Clean the oven, inside and out. Don't neglect the kitchen exhaust hood as buyers frequently check this area as a clue to general housekeeping.
• Lights   Have good bulbs in every light socket, both inside and out. Repair or replace wall switches, outlets and light fixtures that don't work. Make sure the lamp, radio or any appliance, plugged into an outlet, works.
• Soiled clothes   Keep dirty laundry out of the living area. Place it in the utility room, garage or storage area. This should apply especially to a diaper pail.

SHOWING THE HOUSE

• Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house - not to pay a social call.
• Stay in the back ground. The salesperson 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.
• Let your Realtor® discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.