Twenty tips: How to sell your home faster and for more money!

This information is being provided to you as a courtesy. We have compiled this information in an effort to help you sell your home quicker and for close or at asking price. It is our sincere hope that you allow us to market your home, but even if you choose to sell your home yourself or you hire another Realtor we feel you will find some benefit in the information that follows.
 

1. First Impressions Are The Most Important
When a prospective buyer comes to look at your house the first thing he will see is your home's front door! Be sure that it is fresh and clean. Keep your lawn and landscaping well manicured and neat looking. If it's winter, be sure you have removed ice and snow from the walk and steps.

2. What You Show Is What You Get
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Do not leave anything to the buyer's imagination when you can show him how bright and fresh your home can be. A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Invest in a quick coat of neutral or white paint on walls or trim where necessary.

3. Let the Sun Shine In
It is extremely important.... Open the drapes, curtains, shades, blinds, and shutters all the way, so the prospects can see how bright and cheerful your home is.

4. Fix That Leaky Faucet
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Paint that ceiling stain where the tub upstairs overflowed last year. Any indications of plumbing problems will cause concern on behalf of the buyer even if it is unwarranted.

5. Little Things Mean A Lot
Take a few moments to check that your doors do not stick or have loose knobs. Check your windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your home's value.

6. Safety First And Always
Keep stairways and hallways clear and clean since this will avoid injuries and avoid unnecessary distractions.

7. From Top to Bottom ...
Keep things neat and tidy throughout your home. Throw out old newspapers or other items you have been "collecting" for years. Display your attic and or basement better by moving all unnecessary articles to outside storage. A coat of paint can do wonders if your basement is dark and dreary.

8. Big Closets
Make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized to show that your home has ample closet space. Put any out-of-season clothes into storage somewhere else.

9. Bathrooms Sell Homes
Make these rooms sparkle! Check and repair any damages or discolored caulking in the bathtubs and shower, and be sure that the towels and rugs are bright and clean. Make sure that all light bulbs are in working order and are the maximum wattage safe for your light fixtures. Bathrooms without windows can appear dark and dreary.

10. Bedrooms Shouldn't Sleep
Keep these rooms bright and cheerful. Remove any excess furniture and be sure to use attractive and colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains.

11. Shine On
Your home's illumination in the evening can be a welcome sign to that prospective buyer! Turn on all of your outside and inside lights when showing your home at night and the buyer will feel a glowing warmth as a result of your lighting.

12. Three's A Crowd
Don't have too many people present during a showing. Many potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your house. The goal is to encourage them to spend as much time in your home as possible.You want them to feel comfortable.

13. Stay in the Background
The showing agent knows the buyer's needs and desires and can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you are not tagging along. Take a short walk or take a seat in the kitchen or living room. If any questions come up the Realtor will ask you.

14. Silence Is Golden
Always be courteous and friendly, but do not try to force conversation with a potential buyer. They are there to concentrate on the inspection of your home. All to often, sellers anxious to sell, offer information or say something about the home that will discourage the buyer from moving forward in the buying process.

15. Music Soothes The Savage Beast....
but not the potential buyer. When showing your house it is best to turn down or even off that blaring radio or television. Soft easy listening or classical music can often set a mood but many people like different kinds of music. If you have any doubts turn it off.

16. Curb Your Dog
A dog is man's best friend, but not when showing your home. Many people are afraid of dogs or allergic to cats. Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot.

17. Be It Ever So Humble
There's no place like home. As long as you have done your best to keep your home clean and tidy, never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, you must live there day-by-day.

18. Don't Put The Cart Before The Horse
Trying to sell any furniture or furnishings to the prospective buyers can often lose the sale. If you are interested in selling some of these things and you believe that the buyer might be interested, wait until after the sale of the house has been negotiated.

19. A Word To The Wise
Unless you have decided to sell your home without the aid of a professional real estate agent, do not discuss selling price, terms, possession, or other factors with the buyer or his agent. Your agent has the knowledge and the experience to negotiate with your best interest in mind.

20. Showings By Appointment Only
For your own safety it is best to allow agents to show your home by appointment only. This allows your agent to track who has shown your home and what the buyer's comments are.