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Getting Your Home Ready
for the Market
Once your home is listed with MLS it’s “show time.” Your house and even your
way of life are on stage with the potential buyers who will see them. To keep the property
looking its best, establish a routine to take care of the little details like making the beds
each morning, clearing up the clutter and sprucing up all the spaces. These must be done daily
or, in the case of repeat showings, every few hours.
Price and condition of a home are the key factors for a successful sale.
To ensure the best condition, pay special attention
to these areas:
Inside
• Clean walls and paint, if needed, with neutral colors.
• Clean windows inside and out.
• needs and desires and help them select compatible homes.
• Test all light fixtures and put in new bulbs.
• Check all plumbing fixtures and repair as needed.
• Provide a pleasant scent in the house; remove any odors.
• Make sure sinks and tubs are shiny and spotless.
• Check caulking in tubs and showers, repair as needed.
• De-clutter all closets, attic, basement, garage and other storage areas.
• Pare down furnishings to give your home a more spacious look
(your agent can make recommendations).
Outside
• Mow, water and edge lawn carefully, then remove any grass clippings.
• Spruce up flower beds, trim trees and weed.
• Clean or paint exterior surfaces, particularly the front door.
• Test all door and window locks.
• Inspect screens and screen doors, repair or replace as needed.
• Refurbish or replace faded street numbers.
• Have roof condition checked by an expert.
• Make sure all exterior lighting is in working condition.
When your home is to be shown, we will always
attempt to make an appointment with you, giving
you as much advance notice as possible. To help
make the best impression during showings,
we suggest you:
• Open draperies and curtains to let in natural light.
• Turn on enough lights to brighten every corner.
• Remove dirty dishes.
• Make beds.
• Dust and vacuum; clear clutter.
• Clean kitchens and baths so they sparkle; clear all clutter.
• Turn off TVs and radios to cut down distractions.
• Remove pets from the house.
• Put away or remove valuables such as jewelry and cash.
Stay safe
The most important element of the home sale is your safety. Avoid talking
with prospective buyers during showings. Let the agent showing your home answer any questions
the prospective buyers may have. It is best for you to leave while the house is being shown.
Complete the Seller's Disclosure Statement accurately and fully, and update it as needed to
correctly reflect the condition of your home.
If a prospective buyer comes by unexpectedly without a broker, get their name and phone number.
FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION, DO NOT SHOW THE HOME. Have unescorted buyers call your agent for an
appointment. |
Real Estate can be a lonely business... Erik Scott is all the company you need. |
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