What Can I Do To Help Sell My Property Faster?

With a little effort on your part, your home/commercial property can be sold more quickly and at a better price if you let your property smile a "welcome" to buyers.

Preparing For The Showing, First Impressions Count!

Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting. Keep the lawn trimmed and remove snow and ice from walks in winter. Paint your front door if it shows any signs of wear.

Decorate For A Quick Sale

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospects how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating?

Let The Sun Shine In

Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all the lights during evening inspections.

Fix That Faucet 

A leaky faucet discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing inside and outside the house.

Repairs Can Make A Big Difference 

loose knobs, sticky doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws detract from the value of your home. Have them fixed. (When prospects see things that need attention, they begin to worry about what they can't see).

From Top To Bottom 

Display the full value of your attic, basement and closets by removing all unnecessary articles. You may want to have a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items or move some items to a mini-warehouse.

Safety First 

Keep stairways clear and avoid a cluttered appearance. Also, make sure you don't overload wall plugs.

Make Your Home Sparkle 

Keep windows clean. Steam clean your carpets and glue back peeling wallpaper. Empty ashtrays and throw out the trash to give a good impression of how you have maintained your home.

Bathrooms Help Sell Homes 

Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Put out fresh towels and make the room attractive.

Arrange Bedrooms Neatly 

Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Don't Cause A Controversy 

Remove any signs or posters that might be controversial or offensive to your prospects.

Showing The House, Three's A Crowd 

Try not to be present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Also, your broker knows the buyer's requirements and better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along.

Keep The Music Down 

Pipe in classical or soft rock music. But keep it low so the sales associate and the buyer can talk free of disturbances.

Pets Under Foot 

Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way-preferably out of the house.

Create A Homey Atmosphere 

Bake cookies or bread, or place cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm oven on the day of the showing. The aroma will make the potential buyer feel welcomed.

Be It Ever So Humble 

If you are present at the showing, never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in.

For The Record 

Have copies of your air-conditioning, heating and water bills for the past 12 months available. Also, keep bills showing when the new roof was put on and when you installed the water heater, for instance.

A Word To The Wise 

Let the broker discuss the price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers. Your broker is qualified to bring negations to a favorable conclusion.

A Little Money Goes A Long Way 

Your cooperation in cosmetic repairs will increase everyone's interest level and enthusiasm. You'll help close the sale more quickly.