As the old saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." Your home is no exception. If you want your home to show in the best possible way, increasing your chances of getting a good price in the shortest possible time, then you'll want to follow the following steps in preparation for showing your home and for the showing itself.
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PREPARATION FOR SHOWING YOUR HOME
- First impressions are lasting: The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it appears fresh and clean. Paint the trim, if necessary.
- Lawn & garden care: Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of garbage. Reseed and fertilize the lawn, if necessary. Weed the gardens, and add mulch. In winter, be sure snow and ice is removed from walks and steps.
- Decorate for a quick sale: Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell a prospective buyer how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result.
- Let the sunshine in: Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Make sure the windows are clean and in good working order.
- Detailed cleaning: Are the appliances clean and operating properly? Dust and polish the floors and furniture so that your home is sparkling clean.
- Fix the faucet: Dripping water discolours sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
- Repairs can make a big difference: Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from the value in your home. Have them fixed.
- Remove the Clutter: Display the full value of your home. Re-arrange furniture to make the rooms look bigger. Buyers like to look into closets and cupboards to see if their belongings will fit.
- Safety first: Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
- Get Packing: Pack personal pictures, family mementos and valuables to avoid damages during a showing. If necessary rent space at a storage facility.
- Bathrooms help sell homes: Check and repair grout in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. Don’t let the Handy Man add gobs of caulking when grout is what you need.
- Arrange the bedrooms neatly: Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and clean window coverings.
SHOWING YOUR HOME
Whenever possible leave your house for showings. If this is not possible, follow these tips:
- Three’s a crowd: Avoid having too many people present during showings. The potential buyer may feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
- Music is mellow, but not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the agent and buyer talk, free of disturbances.
- Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way, preferably out of the house.
- Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. They want to inspect your house, not to pay a social call.
- Never apologize for the appearance of your home; after all, it has been lived in. Let the trained agent answer any objections, as this is his/her job.
- Remain in the background. The agent 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. Allow the buyers to take “psychological possession.”
- Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to sell furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before they have purchased the house often loses a sale.
- A word to the wise: Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. They are highly qualified to bring negotiations to a favourable conclusion.
- Never let anyone into your home, who comes to the door unannounced. We ask that you show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through our office. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help us close the sale more quickly.
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