TIPS TO THE SELLER
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE…
v 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.
v Front door. The front door greets the prospect, so, make sure it is freshly painted, clean, & has a new mat and the door bell is working properly.
v Stucco & driveway. Repair stucco discoloration & cracks, remove oil & rust stains from driveway & garage floor.
v 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!
v Paint & polish. Faded walls & worn woodwork reduce appeal.
v Spotless & odorless. Clean, & then clean some more…shampoo carpets, clean window coverings and get rid of odors! Messy or dirty homes causes Buyers to see every flaw.
v Pools should be operating properly & sparkling!
v 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 Removing all unnecessary articles…if it doesn’t stay replace it!
WHEN THE AGENT SHOWS THE HOUSE…
v Give the Buyer space. If possible you, your pets & your children should be gone. If you must be present keep the noise down & don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. His Agent will answer questions about the property.
v Let the sun shine in. Open draperies & blinds & let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.)
v Evening illumination is like a welcome sign, please turn on your lights.
v 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
v Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let the trained salesman answer any objections. This is his job.
v 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.
v 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.
v 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
v Leave plenty of time to discuss offers
v Always counter offers even if they seem low, you never know what the Buyer will decide.
DURING ESCROW
v Make sure you make repairs required by inspection as soon as possible.
v Call your agent with any questions you have
THE WEEK BEFORE CLOSING…
v Give the post office your forwarding address & change your address for important mail.
v Have utilities transferred to the Buyer’s name
v Schedule a moving truck for a day or so before closing so you can move early on closing day.
v Leave time for the final walk through of the home
AT CLOSING….
v Bring your ID…there are documents to sign that will need notarizing
v Cancel your homeowners Insurance
v Contact your old mortgage company to make sure they send impound refunds