Setting The Stage
CULTIVATE CURB CHARISMA
Some of the best buyers are the most impatient because they
need to make a decision fast. If the view of your house from
the street turns them off, they might not even stop. Shape up
your front yard.
TAKE A CRITICAL LOOK AT YOUR HOUSE'S FRONT
SIDE
If it is weathered looking or if anything that is in need of
repair can be seen eliminate those problems. Don't turn your
buyers off before the inside can turn them on.
NEVER STAY IN YOUR HOUSE WITH HOUSE HUNTERS
Let the agent handle it, and remove yourself if you can. Remember
that the agent has worked for many hours with these people and
knows what they are looking for. Let her or him do the job without
interference.
You may feel that an agent isn't showing
the important features of your house to people, but the
agent knows people aren't sold by details until they've
become emotionally involved with the big picture of your
house. The presence of any member of the sellers family
can't help, always unnerves possible buyers, and often prevents
a sale. Don't put this obstacle in your path. If they come
unexpected. Don't be upset. Ask for 15 minutes, or however
long it will take to shove everything under the beds or
couch, then set the stage and leave.
GIVE YOUR DOGS AND CATS A VACATION
Having pets (especially aggressive dogs) around when you're
selling your home can be incredibly expensive. Ask grandparents
or an understanding friend to help you out. Many people are
acutely uncomfortable around animals and simply can't think
'buy' when they're thinking 'bye'.
YOU CAN'T FIND A BETTER INVESTMENT
When you're selling a house that a few cans of paint and putty
to brighten up the interior.
DRIPS DO WORSE THAN RUN UP YOUR WATER BILL
They make possible buyers worry about your houses entire plumbing
system.
SQUEAKING DOORS AND CREAKING FLOORS
Torn or missing screens, cracked glass, anything in need of
repair dampens the house hunters enthusiasm.
HIDE (or neatly arrange) EVERYTHING THAT
LOOKS LIKE WORK
Lawnmowers, hoses, vacuum cleaners, all the gear you used to
fix up the house. Accent everything that looks like fun: stereos,
skis, toys in the kids' bedrooms.
DE-CLUTTER
Repack, compact, and dispose of unneeded items, or rent a mini-storage
unit and move out as much material as you can. Your home's storage space can't look adequate to a buyer if you've got it jampacked.
TURN UP THE SHELTER
If it's hot, cool it off. If it is cold, light a crackling fire.
HARMONIZE THE ELEMENTS
FM radio or stereo on softly. TV off... All lights on, day or night. Drapes open in the daytime.
YOU CAN SELL PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP FASTER AND
FOR MORE MONEY
It's called cleanliness; and cleanliness has more buyers than dirt. Put a sparkle into your bathrooms and kitchen, and you'll take out more silver.
S E T T
H E S T A G E ! S E T T H E S T
A G E ! S E T T H E S T A G E !
Lights on. Drapes open. Music playing quietly.
Fireplace going if it's cold. Air conditioning if it's warm.
Sellers Away. Beds made, kitchen sparkling, everything in it's
place. Windows cleaned to invisibility. Lawn mowed, hedges trimmed.
The buyers linger because it has the feeling of home, seems
to be easy to maintain, no painting or anything to move into.
It's perfect!
