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FAQ: Is my home ready to sell?
Giving Your Home the On-the-Market Makeover
You work with a Certified Residential Specialist because he or she is best able to sell your home quickly and profitably. But remember: Your relationship with your Certified Residential Specialist is a partnership. While he or she markets your property and screens potential buyers, it's up to you to give your home a simple, inexpensive sprucing up that can go a long way toward a speedy sale.
With that in mind, here are some helpful hints gathered from Certified Residential Specialists across the country.
Before the Showings Begin
First Impressions are Lasting Impressions
The exterior of your home often determines how buyers will view the interior, so:
- Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting
- Paint or replace your front door if it's faded or worn
- Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other outside features showing signs of wear
Beauty is More than Skin Deep
Buyers often see the surface condition of your home as a sign of what's underneath, so:
- Keep windows and floors clean
- Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas that have come away from the wall
- Repair worn woodwork
- Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color
- Steam clean carpeting or replace it if necessary
- Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws
- Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers
Accentuate the Positive
Try to see your home with a fresh perspective and arrange each room to bring out its best attributes, including:
- Open draperies and curtains to let the light in during the showing
- Remove all unnecessary clutter from your attic, basement and closets to better display spacious rooms (consider storage or a garage dale to dispose of extraneous items)
- Arrange all your rooms neatly and remove excess furniture
- Keep fresh, clean towels in the bathroom
- Use candles or air fresheners to make the room smell pleasant
Put Your Home in the Best Light
Strategically lighting your home, even during daytime showings, can create a cozy mood and highlight positive attributes of each room, so:
- Avoid the use of overhead lighting that makes rooms look washed out and lifeless
- Be creative and arrange lamps to help smaller rooms seem larger, and large rooms seem more intimate
- Use lighting to highlight the "living areas" of your home, such as a pair of chairs near a fireplace, or a table in a breakfast area
- Put the spotlight on the strengths and potential of your home
- Create the right mood and atmosphere given the room's function, color scheme, etc.
- Accent the positive aspects and unique features of each area of your home
- Define the space
- Bring the room to life
After the Showings Begin
Leave the Selling to the Professional
Buyers often feel uncomfortable in the presence of a homeowner, so:
- Try not to be present during inspections
- If you are home, never apologize for the appearance of your house
- Only your Certified Residential Specialist should discuss any objections and subjects like price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers
Keep the Disturbance Down
- Potential homebuyers have a lot to take in, so minimize distractions. Pipe in classical, jazz or soft rock music, but keep the volume low.
- If possible, turn off the ringer on your phone during showings
- Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way - preferably out of the house
Create a Homey Atmosphere
A buyer tries to picture themselves and their family living in your home, so:
- Create a pleasant aroma by baking cookies or bread, or placing cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm oven on the day of the showing
- Keep the heat or air conditioner at comfortable levels
- If you have a fireplace, light it during wintertime showings
Have Records Available
- Even if a buyer doesn't study them, having records available can make it clear you are conscientious and have nothing to hide
- Have copies of your gas, electric and water bill from the last 12 months available
- Be ready to show all improvement and repair bills
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