First impressions...

The front door greets your prospective buyer. Does it need painting? Make sure it is fresh and clean. Make sure the locks and keys operate smoothly. Is the lawn mowed trimmed and edged? Is the yard free of refuse?


Decorate for a quick sale...

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how good your property could look when you could show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Painting and new carpeting in neutral colors is recommended as the most cost effective improvement to speed a sale and bring a higher price.


Let the sun shine in...

Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms look small and are not appealing to buyers.


Fix it...

Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe that there are ten problems they haven't noticed for every one they do see. Fix that faucet too. Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests the possibility of other faulty plumbing.


Space - lots of space...

Remove unnecessary articles, furniture, and storage from closets. When a potential buyer sees clutter..

• The house feels small,
• They can't imagine their own things in that space, and
• They think... "It'll look just like this if I own it; I'll be surrounded by clutter."

Check and repair clutter in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!


Bedrooms...

Remove excess furniture and make the beds look neat.


Closets...

Remove excess from closets. Show that space is ample.


Harmonize the elements...

FM radio or stereo on softly, TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the daytime, closed at night. If it's hot, cool it; if it's cold, light a crackling fire.


You can sell pride of ownership faster and for more money...

It's called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you'll take lots more silver out.


Three is a crowd....

Avoid being present during inspections. Take a short walk or drive around the neighborhood. The potential buyer many times will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house if owners are present.


Pets underfoot??

Keep pets out of the way-preferably out of the house. Many people are acutely uncomfortable around some animals.


Silence is golden....

Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house, not pay a social call.


Never stay in your house with house hunters....

Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possible can. Remember, the agent has worked many hours with these people, and knows what they're looking for, and how to work with them. Let him or her do the job without interference. You may feel that an agent isn't sold by details until they've become emotionally involved with the big picture of your home. The presence of any member of the seller's family can't help, always unnerves possible buyers.


Why put the cart before the horse??

Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.


A word to the wise....