Homeselling Hints for Sellers

First impressions are lasting impressions. Therefore, see that the exterior of your home looks inviting.

• Keep the lawn mowed
• Use an edger where grass borders the sidewalk
• Keep the yard clean
• Keep the flowers beds cultivated
• Consider the value of a quick coat of paint (exterior or interior)

Unless the interior of the house is completely run down and in bad repair, decorating will not add to the price you can get, but it can make your home more salable. Be critical. Remember: others will be as they walk through the house. Don't hesitate to make small, inexpensive repairs.

• Always keep your home tidy. Give special attention to the kitchen and bathroom; they sell more homes than any other rooms do. Clean kitchen countertops frequently.
• Windows should be sparkling clean. Walls should be unmarred.
• Fix leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, sticky drawers, and warped cabinet doors.
• Remove all unnecessary material from attic and basement so that full storage will be visible
• Keep stairways clear of clutter, for safety and neat appearance
• Keep all rooms clean, bright, and neatly arranged
• turn on lights, especially in dark rooms, and raise shades midway or all the way up
• Arrange porch or patio furniture attractively
• Depending on the season, light a fire in the fireplace or outdoor grill

This should create a setting that suggests relaxed family enjoyment. At the same time, you will need to be ready for appointments to show the house on short notice. Your cooperation enables the real estate salesperson to serve you well. Homeseekers on tight schedules usually are genuinely interested in buying and are more likely to make an offer than someone who will adjust his schedule to your convenience. When the salesperson and prospective buyer arrive, remember the following points:

• Greet them courteously, then disappear. If you can, leave the house. Don't tag along; your presence will inhibit free discussion, making it difficult for the salesperson to ferret out the buyer's likes and dislikes.
• Avoid having too many people in the house; this can make the buyer feel like an intruder.
• Children and pets should be housed elsewhere during a showing.
• Turn off the radio and TV so that the salesperson can talk to the buyer without distraction. A stereo can remain on to play soft background music.
• Do not volunteer any comments unless the salesperson requests them.
• Do not try to interest the buyer in purchasing furnishings before the signing of the contract. This can ruin a transaction. After the sale is made, there will be plenty of time for such discussions. Do not discuss the terms of sale, occupancy, or related matters with the buyer. Refer these questions to the salesperson; the answers given may make or beak the sale.
• After the showing, the buyer may phone you for information or for a commitment that might be detrimental to your best interests. Rather than give nay information, refer the buyer to the salesperson.
• Never let anyone into your home without an appointment. Ordinarily you would not allow a stranger to enter your home if he rang your doorbell and asked to come in. A sign in your front yard should not change anything. Inspect identification to make sure that it comes from the listing office or the cooperating real estate salesperson.