Real Estate Tips

Some Helpful Hints Before You Sell:

Increasing Your Home's Value

When you’re preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions. The market isn’t the only factor that influences whether you get your asking price. Appearance and overall condition play a major role.

OUTSIDE

It is estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. So stand across the street from your house and review its appeal.

* Sweep front walkway
* Remove newspapers, bikes, and toys
* Park extra cars away from the property
* Trim shrubs
* Apply fresh clean paint throughout
* Clean windows and window coverings throughout
* Keep plumbing and all appliances in working order
* Maintain all sealants (window, tub, shower, sink, etc)
* Make sure roof and gutters are in good condition. No repairs needed
* Mow lawn more frequently and plant flowers
* Keep pet areas clean

INSIDE

* Kitchen and bathroom should shine.
* Quick once over with the vacuum, carpets should be clean
* Place fresh flowers in main rooms
* Put dishes away, unless setting a formal display for decoration
* Make beds and put clothes away
* Straighten closets
* Put toys away
* Turn off television
* Play soft music on radio
* Keep pets away
* Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables
* Enhance spaciousness of the rooms

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

* Potential buyers usually feel more comfortable if owners are not present
* If people unaccompanied by an agent request to see your property refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment
* Leave a number where you can be reached if you are leaving town

Preparing your home for sale

* FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST LASTING
The first impression is vital. Your lawn should be trimmed, walkways swept, and the front door should be clean with a doorbell that works.
* DECORATING FOR QUICKER SALE
A minor investment in paint and wallpaper will pay bigger dividends to you in the form of a better price and quicker sale.
* LET THE SUN SHINE
Open the doors and curtains. Clean the windows so that a prospect can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to home buying prospects.
* DON'T BE A DRIP
Fix leaky faucets; dripping suggests faulty or worn out plumbing. Discolored, rust stained sinks are also warning signs; they should be properly cleaned and sparkling.
* LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
Loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows- are negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws.
* SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways and corridors clean. Clutter is unattractive and causes accidents.
* TOP TO BOTTOM
Let prospects see the full value of your basement, attic, garage, and closets by removing all junk and cartons. Rent a short-term storage space if necessary.
* BATHROOMS SELL HOMES
Make bathrooms sparkle. Clean stained sinks and bowls, repair any damaged or discolored caulking around showers and bathtubs.

Showing your home

*Can you see the light?
Illumination in your home can be the "welcome sign" for every prospect. Turn on all interior lights, including accent & picture lights.

*Avoid Crowds.
Potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your home if there are too many people around. Send the kids over to the neighbors or take a walk while your house is being showed.

*Silence is Gold.
When showing your house, turn down, or off, all radios or television sets. Let the salesperson and buyers talk freely without having to yell over any noise.

*Put Fido out.
Dog may be man's best friend, but don't try to force conversation with potential buyers. They are there to inspect your house, not to be social. Let the salesperson do the talking.

*This is not a garage sale.
Don't try to sell the potential buyer any of the furniture or furnishings that you don't want to take with you. They haven't even bought your house yet-you could foul up the sale.

*Let the realtor do it.
Let our professional salesperson talk to the customer about selling price, terms, possession date and other factors. Our salespeople have been specially trained and have the experience needed to bring the negotiations on your home to a satisfactory conclusion.