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Let your home welcome buyers with a smile!

With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. These 20 tips have been proven invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention.

Preparation for Showing:

• First Impressions Are Lasting...
  The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be sure walks and steps are free from debris, snow and ice.
   
• Decorate for a Quick Sale...
  Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how the 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.
   
• Let The Sun Shine In...
  Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home could be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.)
   
• Fix the Faucet!
  Dripping water discolors the sink & suggests faulty plumbing.
   
• 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.
   
• From Top to Bottom...
  Display the full value of your attic, basement, and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls.
   
• Safety First...
  Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
   
• Make Closets Look Bigger...
  Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.
   
• Bathrooms Help Sell Homes...
  Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make the room sparkle!
   
• Arrange Bedrooms Neatly...
  Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
   
• Can You See The Light?
  Illumination is a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

Showing the Home:

• Three's a Crowd...
  Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and hurry through the house.
   
• Music is Mellow...
  But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson 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. The buyer wants to inspect your house, not socialize.
   
• Be It Ever So Humble...
  Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained sales associate answer any objections.
   
• In the Background...
  The sales associate 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.
   
• Why Put the Cart Before the Horse...
  Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings before a buyer has 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. Your sales associate is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
   
• Use Your Sales Associate...
  We ask that you show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through the office. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help us close the sale more quickly.

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