1. |
Make
the Most of that First Impression
A 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. |
2. |
Invest
a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean
up in 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. Prospects would rather see
how great your home really looks than hear how great
it could look, "with a little work." |
3. |
Check
Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolours sinks
and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out
bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little
problems detract from what's right with your home. |
4. |
Don't
Shut Out a Sale
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. |
5. |
Think
Safety
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. |
6. |
Make
Room for Space
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. |
7. |
Consider
Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears.
Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and
donate them to charity. |
8. |
Make
Your Bathrooms Sparkle
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. |
9. |
Create
Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms.
For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colourful
bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must. |
10. |
Open
up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes
so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home
is. |
11. |
Lighten
up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights
- both inside and outside - when showing your home in
the evening. Lights add colour and warmth, and make
prospects feel welcome. |
12. |
Avoid
Crowd Scenes
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. |
13. |
Watch
Your Pets
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 favour: Keep Kitty and Spot outside,
or at least out of the way. |
14. |
Think
Volume
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. |
15. |
Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects
want to view your home with a minimum of distraction. |
16. |
Don't
Apologize
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
RE/MAX Associate handle the situation. |
17. |
Keep
a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX
Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what
they want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier
time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay
in the background. |
18. |
Don't
Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
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. |
19. |
Defer
to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real
estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX
Sales Associate. |
20. |
Help
Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time selling
your home if showings are scheduled through this office.
You'll appreciate the results! |