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The average homeseller may feel
like a lamb in the lion’s den. In such adverse conditions,
it seems everyone is out to pull the rug - and your profits
- right out from under you.
This information is designed to give you the tools you need
to protect your most important investment when it’s
time to sell. Before you put your house on the market, follow
this information guide to reap the maximum rewards possible.
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Your home must sell itself
An attractive home, well maintained and sparkling clean,
is most appealing to your potential buyers. The following
checklist covers those items that influence a buyer most.
First Impression - Outside
- Trim the lawn and keep it green. Shape up the shrubs and
weed the flower beds.
- Clear the entry by keeping the walks free of toys, garden
tools and other hazards.
- Keep the walkway free of ice and snow during the winter
months.
- Brighten the structure with a coat of paint, or a good
cleaning. Replace damaged screens.
- Remove staiins from walls or sidewalks with bleach or
commercial cleaner.
- Add charm with flowers along the entry walk, or in cheerful
window boxes.
- Remove grease stains from the driveway with kitty litter
or a chemical solvent.
- Pick up all pet droppings and debris.
- Tidy up the garage and show off its size. Get rid of articles
you don't want to move.
Invitation Inside
- Perk up rooms with fresh paint. A modest investment in
time and money can add dollars to your final selling price.
Sometimes just a touchup will do. Choose light neutral colours
for greatest appeal.
- Clean up all clutter, paying special attention to stairways,
halls and childrens rooms. Also go on a kitchen campaign
and keep it especially clean. The sink should always be
clean and free of dirty dishes. Counter tops should be clean
and uncluttered. Freshly mopped floors and baseboards are
a must.
- Bathrooms must sparkle with clean porcelain and tile.
- Wash all windows, keep drapes clean, vacum blinds and
wash window sills.
- Clear out closets to make them appear roomier. Add extra
space by pre-packing out of season clothing.
- Clean the fireplace and make a cozy, crackling fire. Or,
dress it up with green plants or dried flowers.
- Roll out the welcoming mat with a rough textured doormat.
It will keep your floors and carpets clean during the showings,
and it says you care about your house.
- Eliminate odours by preventing them in the first place.
Avoid cooking with cabbage, onion or garlic. Many people
associate strong spicy odours with uncleanliness. Freshen
the entire kitchen by sending a lemon through the garbage
disposal. Sweeten the refridgerator with baking soda.
- Add special accents that make your house look comfortable
and inviting. An open cookbook on the counter, cut flowers
in a vase, cookies or baking bread in the oven. Don't overdo,
but think about things that you have seen in attractive
model homes that might subconsciously influence potential
buyers.
Extra Efforts
- Empty out the attic to display the full value of this
much appreciated but often neglected storage space.
- Clean and brighten the basement with light paint and large
wattage bulbs.
- Breeze through the patio and remove any unneccessary lawn
furniture, hoses, sprinklers and garden tools to make the
yard look more expensive. If you have a pool or jacuzzi,
give it a thorough scrubbing and place a few plants nearby.
- Treat pets to a stroll while your house is being shown.
Many people are afraid or allergic to animals. By removing
them, buyers won't feel hurried or nervous.
- Turn off the television or radio. Potential buyers can
look at your house quietly and without distraction.
Price Fact
The best chance for selling your property is within the first
seven weeks. Studies show that the longer the property stays
on the market, the less the seller will net.
It is very important to price your property at a competive
market value at the signing of the employment agreement. The
market is so competitive that even overpricing by a few thousand
dollars could mean that your house will not sell. Interestingly,
your first offer is usually your best offer.
Clean Facts
Most people are turned off by even the smallest amout of
uncleanliness or odour when buying a home. Sellers loose thousands
of dollars because they don't adequately clean.
If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell
your house faster and net hundreds, if not thousands of dollars
more. You might not notice the smell, but buyers do! Most
agents have a difficult time communicating to their sellers
about odour. By employing me to get the most amount of money
for my seller, do not take offense if I must confront you
about odour problem! |
