First Impressions Are Lasting
The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.

Decorate for a Quick Sale
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect hjow your home could look when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in a new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends, and you can't find a better investment when you're selling a house than a few cans of paint and a little putty to brighten up its interior.

Let the Sun Shine In
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dorm rooms do not appeal).

Fix That Faucet!
Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

Repairs Can Make a Big Difference
Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe there will be 10 problems they haven't noticed for every one they do see.

From Top To Bottom
Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.

Safety First
Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.

Make Closets Look Bigger
Neat, well-ordered closets show that space is ample.

Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle!

Arrange Bedrooms Neatly
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Harmonize the Elements
FM radio or stereo on softly, TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the daytime, closed at night, If it's hot, cool it; if it's cold, light a fire.

You Can Sell Pride of Ownership Faster and For More Money
It's called cleanliness, and cleanliness has more buyers than used dirt. Put sparkle in your bathrooms and kitchen, and you'll take lots more silver out.

Three's a Crowd
Avoid having too many people during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

Music is Mellow
But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances. Background "soft playing" music is okay.

Pets Underfoot?
Keep pets out of the way - preferably out of the house. Many people are acutely uncomfortable around some animals.

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.

Be It Ever So Humble
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections. This is their job.

Never Stay in Your House with House Hunters
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you possibly can. Remember, that agent has worked many years with these people and knows what they're looking for, and how to work with them. Let him or her do the job without interference. You may feel that an agent isn't showing the important features of your home to the prospect, but the agent knows people aren't sold by details until they've become emotionally involved with the big picture of your home. The presence of any member of the seller's family can't help, always unnerves possible buyers, and often prevents a sale. Don't put this obstacle in your path; please leave when buyers are coming.

Why Put the Cart Before the Horse?
Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyers before he/she has purchased the house often loses a sale.

A Word to the Wise
Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the prospect. He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

Copyright Doug Kenny. All Rights Reserved.