Seller's Information

Your Home Can Welcome Buyers

Your home can be sold sooner and at a better price when you follow these simple guidelines. Many owners have found these tips invaluable.

PREPARATION FOR SHOWING SHOWING YOUR HOUSE

• First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of clutter.
• Decorate for quick sale. Show your home's best side with fresh walls and clean woodwork. A quicker sale may result. An investment in a little paint up, clean up and fix up will pay dividends.
• Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let buyers see how cheerful your home can be.
• Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
• Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value.
• From top to bottom, display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.
• Safety first. To avoid possible injuries keep stairways clear. Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample.
• Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.
• Make this room sparkle. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains. Remove excess furniture.
• Can you see the light? The potential buyer will feel a flowing warmth when you turn on all your lights.

SHOWING YOUR HOUSE

• Three's a crowd. Let the sales associates do their job. It is best if you can make arrangements to be absent during the showing or the buyer may feel like an intruder and hurry through the house. If you can't be absent, don't tag along. The sales associate knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home. You will be called if needed.
• Soft music provides an excellent background. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the sales associate and buyer talk free of disturbance.
• Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way - preferably out of the house.
• Silence is golden. Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. He or she wants to inspect your house - not pay a social call.
• Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let your trained sales associate answer any objections.
• Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
• A word to the wise. Let your sales associate discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He or she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
• Use your sales associate. Don't show your home yourself. Your cooperation will help us sell you home more quickly.