Page 4 - Kim Sargent GuideSellerCustom.pdf

Tips for the Seller

Making a Great First Impression 11. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a
1. First impressions are lasting. The front door welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel the glowing
greets the prospect. Make sure the house looks clean and warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening
well maintained. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the inspection.
yard free of refuse.
When the agent shows the house:
2. Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and
worn wood-work reduce appeal. Why try explaining 12. Three’s a crowd. Avoid having too many people
how the home could look to a potential buyer when you present during inspections. The potential buyers will feel
can show them with a little redecorating? The result will be like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
a faster sale and a higher price. For example, an invest-
ment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends. 13.Music is mellow. But not when showing a house.
3. Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and blinds Turn off the radio or television. Let the REALTOR® and
and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can buyers talk, free of disturbances.
be. Dark rooms don’t appeal to home buyers. 14. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way—

4. Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and preferably out of the house.
suggests faulty plumbing. 15. Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force
5. Repairs can make a big difference. conversation with the potential buyers. They want to
inspect
Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet your house—not pay a social call.
drawers and other minor flaws detract from a home’s value.
Have them fixed. 16. Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for

6. From top to bottom. Display the full value of the
your attic and other utility space by removing all unneces- appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let
sary articles. the trained REALTOR® answer any objections. This is their
job.
7. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered 17. In the background. The REALTOR® knows the buy-
appearances and possible injuries. er’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of
8. Make closets look bigger. Neat well-ordered your home when you don’t tag along. You will be called if
needed
closets show that space is ample.
9. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and 18. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying
repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room
sparkle. to
dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyers
10.Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess before they have purchased the house often loses a sale.
furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered 19. A word to the wise. Let the real estate agent
curtains.
discuss price terms, possession and other factors with the
customer. They are eminently qualified to bring negotia-
tions to a favorable conclusion.
20. Use your agent. Show your home to prospective
buyers only by appointment through your agent. Your
cooperation will be appreciated and will help close the
sale more quickly.

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