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The Serious Seller's "Quick-Sell" List
A home that shows exceptionally well arouses the prospect's emotional desire to buy more quickly and at a better price. Listed below are some market tested tips to help set the stage for a profitable and early sale.
Builders will spend 100s of dollars to "stage" a model home properly. They do this for a good reason. Buyers will buy the perceived value of the property...the image and feeling that they get from experiencing the property. It's been said often that "Buyers buy on emotion"...it's true!
We urge you to review these suggestions carefully with your family. Highlight items that may need attention.
Getting Ready...Start Outside!
Stand across the street, and take a look at your home from a potential buyer's viewpoint...
- Are there too many cars parked in front?
- Is the lawn trimmed & edged?
- Are the flower beds cultivated and is the bark fresh?
- Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yard, sidewalks & porches.
- Is the street clean in front of your home as far as a home in each
direction?
- Is the fencing straight? Does it need stain/paint?
- Do gates open & close easily or do the hinges need oil?
- Make sure the front door is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking...very important!
- Wash screens and windows.
- Hose down the outside of your home to eliminate dust & cobwebs.
- Check the paint...if needed, repaint. Check with me for market-wise colors prior to painting.
- Buy things to enhance the house for showing that you can take with you...A new welcome mat, big potted plants for inside, pots of geraniums for patio or deck.
Freshen up the Inside...
The emotions you're trying to stimulate are triggered by sensory experiences. Aim for the senses, especially touch, smell & sight. Clean, fresh-smelling homes will sell faster!
- Badly faded walls or worn woodwork reduce appeal...selective painting will help to add a fresh look.
- Check all light bulbs.
- Detail all light fixtures.
- Are oven ranges & appliances sparkling?
- Are counters & sink clear & neat?
- Colorful curtains in harmony with counter tops & floors add warmth to kitchens.
- Take things out of closets & cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away.
- Remove unnecessary articles which have accumulated in basements, utility & storage areas.
- Clear stairways and hallways to open them up.
- Too much furniture??? Put it in the basement/garage or better yet...store it or sell it!
- Brighten dull basements & storage areas by painting the walls & using high watt bulbs.
- Bathrooms that sparkle sell homes & the opposite is true...dirty bathrooms can turn off a buyer.
- New towels are an excellent investment.
Minor Repairs Make Sense...
Correcting small items lets a critical prospect concentrate on major items...Don't make major changes, except for new carpeting if needed--in a neutral color. Many larger expenditures, though needed, may not be economically sound when selling your home...check with us.
- Dripping faucets lead buyers to question the plumbing system.
- Are there any loose doorknobs, sticking drawers or doors that need fixing?
- Fix caulking.
- In general, if it's busted...fix it!
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