Realty
Associates, LLC
3118 Post Road, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Office : (715) 344-2705 Fax : (715) 344-2749
E-mail : KLCOURT@coredcs.com
Equal Housing Opportunity
With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. The following tips have proved invaluable to our sellers and are worth your special attention.
Before the Showings Begin
Tip:
First impressions are Lasting Impressions
The
exterior of your home often determines how buyers will view the interior,
so:
-
Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting.
-
Paint or replace your front door if it's faded or worn.
-
Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other outside features showing signs of wear.
-
Keep yard trimmed and yard free of refuse.
-
Be sure snow and ice are removed from walks and steps during wintertime showings.
Tip:
Beauty
is More than Skin Deep
Buyers often see the surface condition of your home
as a sign of what's underneath, so:
-
Keep windows and floors clean.
-
Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas that have come away from the wall.
-
Repair worn woodwork.
-
Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color.
-
Steam clean carpeting or replace it if necessary.
-
Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches
and other minor flaws. -
Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.
Tip:
Accentuate the Positive
Try to see your home with a fresh perspective and
arrange each room to bring out its best attributes, including:
-
Open draperies and curtains to let the light in during the showing.
-
Remove all clutter from your attic, basement and closets to better display spacious rooms
(consider storage or a garage sale to dispose of extraneous items). -
Arrange all your rooms neatly and remove excess furniture.
-
Keep fresh, clean towels in the bathroom.
Tip:
Put Your Home in the Best Light
Strategically lighting your home, even during the
daytime showings, can create a cozy mood and highlight positive attributes
of each room, so:
-
Use lighting to highlight the "living areas" of your home, such as a pair of chairs near a fireplace,
or a table in a breakfast area. -
Be creative and arrange lamps to help smaller rooms seem larger, and large rooms seem more intimate.
-
Avoid the use of overhead lighting that makes rooms look washed out and lifeless.
After the Showings Begin
Tip:
Keep the Disturbances Down
Potential homebuyers have a lot to take in, so minimize
distractions.
-
Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way preferably out of the house.
-
If possible, turn off the ringer on your phone during showings.
Tip:
Create a Homey Atmosphere
A buyer tries to picture themselves and their family
living in your home so:
-
Create a pleasant aroma by baking cookies or bread, or placing cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm
oven on the day of the showing. -
Keep the heat or air conditioner at comfortable levels.
-
If you have a fireplace, light it during wintertime showings.
Tip:
Have Records Available
Even if a buyer doesn't study them, having records
available can make it clear you are conscientious
and have nothing to hide.
-
Have copies of your gas, electric and water bill from the last 12 months available.
-
Be ready to show all home improvement and repair bills.
Tip:
Leave the Selling to the Professional
Buyers often feel uncomfortable in the presence
of a homeowner, so:
-
Try not to be present during showings.
-
If you are home, never apologize for the appearance of your house.
-
Only your Real Estate Professional should discuss any objections and subjects like price,
terms, possessions and other factors with the buyers