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Selling Process
Preparing Your Property
First impressions are very important. Let’s take a look
at all the things you can do to increase your chances of
success. It helps to understand the mindset of a typical
home buyer. Most buyers have certain priorities in mind
when they shop for a house. Buyers are attracted to
clean, spacious and attractive houses. A few key
improvements could significantly increase your selling
price and make a faster home sale.
Improvements “Showability”
Simple aesthetic improvements such as trimming trees,
plating flowers, fixing squeaking steps, broken tiles,
mechanical repairs, appliances in good working
condition, shampooing rugs and even re-painting a faded
bedroom will greatly enhance the appeal of your home.
Improvements should be made so that the property shows
well and does not involve a cash outlay.
Below are some helpful hints that could significantly
increase your selling price and make for a faster home
sale:
INTERIOR
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Remove all clutter from each room. Create a feeling of
spaciousness.
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Keep your home dusted and shampoo all carpets and
vacuumed as necessary.
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Replace or clean all light bulbs, light fixtures and
chandeliers and turn on all lights – day or night.
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Open the window coverings and let the sun shine in.
Wash the windows inside and out.
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Remove all smoke and pet odors.
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Repair or replace broken tiles on walls in
showers/tubs.
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Fix cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallpaper and
tiles.
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Remove any excess extension cords and exposed wires.
Make sure every electrical outlet and light switch is
in working order.
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Fix any dripping faucets, showerheads, remove rust
stains from basins.
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Repair leaking roof or wet basement and remove
unnecessary items.
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All beds should be made up and kept tidy.
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Kitchen and bathrooms must be kept clean and
sparkling.
EXTERIOR
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Remove all dying plants or keep them out of sight.
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Keep a well manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and
a clutter free porch.
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Remove all toys, bicycles, tools and unattractive
patio furniture.
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Check and repair all gutters, if any, make sure they
are swept and clean.
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Check paint condition on doors and windows. Repaint if
necessary.
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Inspect foundation, walls, steps and walkways for
cracks and crumbling.
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Keep front entrance well-maintained.
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Highlight your pool area and keep it uncluttered.
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Clear lanais, patios or decks of clutter such has
empty planters, potting soil.
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Check for and repair all dry rot at roof edge, loose
or damaged shingles
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Keep trashcans deodorized, covered and out of sight.
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Check and repair other exterior features
IN GENERAL
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Look at your home as though you have never seen it
before, through a buyer’s eyes.
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Give the impression of spaciousness and airiness. Turn
on all lights and lamps prior to showings, make sure
all bulbs are working.
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Open drapes and windows for sunshine and ventilation.
Build a homey atmosphere – have pleasant music playing
softly in the background.
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Organize your closets and kitchen cabinets, and if you
have things stored in the attic or basement, make sure
they are presentable. Depersonalize the space so that
potential buyers can picture their own belongings in
your house.
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If there are pets, keep them out of sight. Also, make
sure your home smells good.
Potential buyers look at all homes in their price range
but will exclude properties that are not competitive in
the market place. Having visited hundreds of homes for
sale, I can provide suggestions that are consistent with
your marketplace.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS GO A LONG WAY … ALL THE WAY TO
CLOSING!
Please call or
e-mail me for all your real estate
wants and needs.
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