Let Your Home Smile A Welcome To Buyers

Preparations for Showing

1.      First impressions are lasting.  The front door greets the prospect.  Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. 

2.      Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.

3.      Decorate for a quick sale.   Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal.  Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by redecorating?  A quicker sale at a higher price will result.  An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.

4.      Let the sun shine in.  Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.  (Dark rooms do not appeal.)

5.      Fix that faucet!  Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

6.      Repairs can make a big difference.  Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.

7.      From top to bottom.  Display the full value of your attic, and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.

8.      Make closets look bigger.  Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample.

9.      Bathrooms help sell homes.  Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.  Make the room sparkle.

10.  Arrange bedrooms neatly.  Remove excess furniture.  Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

11.  Can you see the light?  Illumination is like a welcome home sign.  The potential buyer will feel glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

Showing The House

1.      Three’s a crowd.  Avoid having too many people present during inspections.  The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

2.      Music is mellow.  But not when showing a house.  Turn off the blaring radio or television.  Let the salesman and buyer talk free of disturbance.

3.      Pets underfoot?  Keep them out of the way-preferably out of the house.

4.      Silence is golden.  Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer.  He wants to inspect your house – not to pay a social call.

5.      Be it ever so humble.  Never apologize for the appearance of your home.  After all, it has been lived in.  Let the trained salesman answer any questions.  This is his job.

6.      In the background.  The salesman knows the buyers’ requirements and can emphasize the features of your home when you don’t tag along.  You will be called when needed.

7.      Why put the cart before the horse.  Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishing to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.

8.      A word to the wise.  Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer.  He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

9.      Use our Salesman.  We ask that you show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through this office.  Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help us close the sale more quickly.

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