PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE...
Curb appeal. A manicured yard, shrubs & trees,
with no stray toys, lawn tools or other items is
very important. Fence gates should be working
property & freshly painted.
Front door. The front door greets the prospect,
so, make sure it is freshly painted, clean, & has
a new mat. Make sure the door bell is working
properly.
Stucco & driveway. Repair stucco discoloration
& cracks, remove oil & rust stains from driveway
& garage floor.
Repair or replace the things that concern buyers &
detract from home values like:
o loose knobs on doors & cabinets
o squeaky or sticking doors
o broken windows
o kitchen appliances
o leaky faucets & other plumbing
o caulk bathtubs & showers
o noisy bathroom & laundry vent fans
o light bulbs in all inside & outside lights
o light switch & outlet covers, light fixture
covers & other electrical items
o dirty air conditioner filters
o you know what your other maintenance items
are, so fix them!
Paint & polish. Faded walls & worn woodwork
reduce appeal.
Spotless & odorless. Clean, & then clean some
more... shampoo carpets or replace if worn. Make
sure window coverings, tile & grout or vinyl are
clean & in good condition. Get rid of cooking, pet,
smoking & other odors. A messy or dirty home
causes buyers to notice every flaw.
Pools should be operating properly & sparkling!
Presentation of your home. Buyers should feel
like they can sit down & make themselves
comfortable so stage your home.
o pack away all knick knacks & valuables
o rearrange rooms & remove & store extra
furniture so that rooms appear larger
o keep halls & stairways clear – this could be
a safety issue
o bath & kitchen countertops should be clutter
free with no refrigerator magnets
o closets & pantries should be neat &
well-ordered
o display the full value of your storage space
by removing all unnecessary articles
o If it doesn’t stay replace it!
WHEN THE AGENT SHOWS THE HOUSE...IF YOU
ARE THERE WHEN THEY ARE...
Give the Buyer space. If possible you, your pets &
your children should be gone. If you must be present
keep the noise down & let the agent show the property.
You want the Buyer to feel welcome and at home.
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Let the sun shine in. Open draperies & blinds & let the
prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark
rooms do not appeal.)
Evening illumination is like a welcome sign. Buyers
will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your
lights.
Music is not always mellow. Turn off the blaring radio
or television. Let the salesman & buyer talk, free of
disturbances.
Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way in a kennel
or preferably out of the house.
Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force
conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to
inspect your house — not pay a social call.
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let
the trained salesman answer any objections. This is his
job.
In the background. The salesman knows the buyer’s
requirements & can better emphasize the features of your
home when you don’t tag along. You will be called if
needed.
Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose
of furniture & furnishings to the potential buyer before
he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
A word to the wise. Let your Realtor discuss price
terms, possession & other factors with the customer. He
is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a
favorable conclusion.
Use your agent. Show your home to prospective
customers only through your agent. Your cooperation
will be appreciated & will help close the sale more
quickly.
WHEN YOUR AGENT PRESENTS OFFERS
Leave plenty of time to discuss offers
Always counter offers even if they seem low, you never
know what the Buyer will decide.
DURING ESCROW
Make sure you make repairs required by inspection as
soon as possible.
Call your agent with any questions you have
THE WEEK BEFORE CLOSING...
Give the post office your forwarding address & change
your address for important mail.
Have utilities transferred to the Buyer’s name
Schedule a moving truck for a day or so before closing so
you can move early on closing day.
Leave time for the final walk through of the home
AT CLOSING....
Bring your ID... there are documents to sign that will
need notarizing
Cancel your homeowners Insurance
Contact your old mortgage company to make sure they
send impound refunds that come after closing to you.
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