Tips and Tools
First impressions are vital
Always remember, when potential buyers comes to look at your house, the first thing they will notice is your home’s front door ! Be sure that it is clean, and fresh. Be sure your lawn and landscaping is well kept and neat. Be sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. In winter, be sure that you’ve removed the ice and snow from walk and steps.
What you show is what you get
Faded paint and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why try to tell a potential buyer how your home could look… When you can show them by a reasonable amount of redecoration ? This will result a quicker sale and at a higher price. Keep it as neutral and tasteful as possible!
Let the sun shine in
Always open the drapes and curtains fully, this will show potential buyers how bright and cheerful your house is!
Fix any leaks
Dripping water discolors sinks, this suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing to your prospective buyer.
The little things do count
Take a couple of minutes to verify that none of the doors in the house stick or have loose knobs on them. Same goes for windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your home’s value.
Safety first
Keep stairways clean and clear since this will avoid injuries around your property, as well as avoid detracting by distraction.
From top to bottom
Showcase your basement, and other utility spaces by clearing up a clutter. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders if your basement is dark and dreary. Pick light colours, they will brighten any dark room. And always use the brightest lights possible!
Big closets
Everyone loves big closets, make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized. There are many space saver products available for example at ikea. This will show that your home has ample closet space.
Bathrooms sell homes …
It’s a fact that bathrooms are often one of the key features that future buyers pay most attention to while shopping for their future home. Make these rooms sparkle ! Pay close attention to the damaged or discolored caulking in the bathtubs and showers, be sure to fix it if need be. Make sure that towels and area rugs are bright.
Bedrooms should feel cozy …
Keep bedrooms bright and cheerful. Remove any excess furniture, they will make the rooms seam smaller. Be sure to use attractive and colorful bedspreads, and fresh curtains.
Shine on …
Your home’s illumination can be a “welcome” sign to that prospective buyer! Turn on all of your outside and inside light when showing your home at night and he’ll feel a glowing warmth as a result of your lighting.
Two’s a couple & three’s a crowd
Don’t have too many people present during the planned showings of your home, since the potential buyers may feel like an intruder and might hurry through your house without even giving it a chance.
Unnecessary noises
When showing your home, turn off the radio or television. Let your RE/MAX® agent and buyer talk freely and not be distracted.
Pets
Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot. Some people may dislike animals and automatically be turned off by your property
Silence is golden
Be courteous and friendly, but don’t try to force a conversation with a potential buyer. He’s there to inspect your home.
Be it ever so humble
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. If any objections or uncomplimentary comments are offered, let the experienced RE/MAX® realtor answer them ? that is his job.
Stay in the background
Your RE/MAX® agent knows the buyer’s needs and desires and can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you’re not “tagging along”. If there are any questions, he will call you.
Don’t put the cart before the horse …
Trying to sell the prospective purchasers any of the furniture or furnishings which you’re not taking with you, before they’ve purchased your home, can often lose the sale… so “cool it”.
A word to the wise
Let your RE/MAX® real estate agent discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other factors with the all potential buyers. He’s been trained and has the necessary expertise to handle these situations, so let him bring your negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.
Odours
This is always a touchy subject to bring up. plugging a few air fresheners never hurt!
