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Did you Know?
Most interest and showings are generated in the first 30 days. This makes the introduction to the market the most crucial sales period, as there are no "do-overs" for first impressions.
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Selling Tips
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Front Door Fumble
Shoes On or Off?
Let There Be Light
It Feels Just Right
Turn Up Your Nose
Silence is Golden
Pets
Sticking Points
Create Space
Valuables & Safety
Crowded
Meeting Potential Buyers
Return on Investment
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Front Door Fumble
The sale can be won or lost right on the front stoop, remember first impressions can be lasting impressions. The buyers stand idle for the most significant amount of time during their tour outside at your front door, while their agent retrieves the key or coordinates access. Spruce it up!
- remove cobwebs and expired insects
- sweep the steps and porch
- dust window ledges inside and out
- replace ripped or damaged screens
- replace rusty hardware including door knobs, knockers, gates, mailboxes
- make sure locks, doorbells and porch lights are clean and functional
- trim lawns, plants and shrubs so walkway is free & clear
- remove garbage bins, gardening supplies or junk
- paint doors and exteriors neutral colors as needed
- time watering so it doesn’t result in soggy lawns or wet buyers
- freshen flower beds, boxes and pots with flowers
- provide a simple, clean welcome mat
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Shoes On or Off?
White carpet, brand new flooring or bad weather may prompt a “no shoes policy.” But don’t trip up a sale over an awkward shoe shuffle. Provide a bench or chair near the point of entrance, baskets of "booties" and urge a buyer to carry their shoes with them so they can easily step into the backyard or garage.
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Let There Be Light
Dark, dim rooms don’t sell. Buyers like to see what they are buying, so brighten it up.
- open all drapes, curtains and blinds. If closed blinds mask an unfavorable view, invest in a more forgiving window covering, such as blinds that open top down for dual duty: letting in light and hiding the neighbor’s shed roof.
- turn on all lights (this includes overhead fluorescents, chandeliers, bedside and table lamps, bathroom lights, range lights and outdoor lights)
- light candles and fireplaces, but only if you or your agent will be present and it's seasonally appropriate. Never leave open flame unattended.
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It Feels Just Right
Monitor your home's temperature so a buyer will feel comfortable, not stifled or chilly. Cool the house down prior with air conditioning, ventilation or fans; or warm it up with forced air heat and fireplaces.
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Turn Up Your Nose
Smells make powerful impacts; however, we adapt to ever-present odors—so what you might not notice, a buyer will.
- open windows and air out rooms that are used infrequently
- avoid strong smelling meals (fast food, fish, garlic, eggs or popcorn…anything that could leave an offense order)
- remove cat litter boxes
- limit incense, bleach, pine sol or other products
- mild air fresheners, a drop of vanilla on a burner, lightly scented candles or baking cookies add unobtrusive zip to a home atmosphere
If the home has a chronic odor problem from pets, smoking, mold or other source; masking it only causes further harm. Make the necessary repairs now and disclose it properly on your Sellers Disclosure form.
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Silence is Golden
- turn off tvs, radios or blaring music
- gentle background music sets a pleasant mood
- turn on water features such as fountains
- drippy faucets however, should be silenced.
- turn down home answering machines that broadcast callers’ messages
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Pets
Cats and dogs, as adorable as they are, can interfere with a buyer’s ability to tour your home. A barking dog can make a buyer feel unwelcome, plus prevents them from experiencing the selling potential of the backyard, laundry room or garage. A biting dog is worse. An escape artist cat is every real estate agent's nightmare, who will be trying to monitor the cat’s movements while selling your home, turning on or off lights, answering questions and herding her posse out the door.
- mention pets in MLS showing instructions
- post signs with pet instructions/warnings on all doors or gates
- remove the pet from the property if at all possible
- contain the pet in a limited area such as a laundry room, garage or backyard
- properly tag and register your pet in the case of an escape
- use a showing appointment as an opportunity to walk the dog
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Sticking Points
The cost of details can add up, so tighten knobs, oil hinges, and check sliders on all doors and windows. Do-it-yourself or hire a handyman to remedy anything that is broken, missing, worn out, chipped, cracked or marred. It'll likely come up in the physical inspection or request for repairs, so you might as well resolve it now.
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Create Space
Clean out closets and clear off counter tops. Get a start on packing by boxing up knick knacks, sentimental pieces, room hogging furniture and family photos. Rent a storage unit if necessary. You are seeking a minimalist approach to your home that showcases its spaciousness and potential and allows the buyer to see themselves there…not you and your family history! And yes, they will open your cupboard and closets.
Bathrooms and Kitchens sell houses. Clean both and keep extra clear of clutter. Freshen the bathroom with new shower curtains, bath rugs and repair caulking. Sometimes updating the towel racks and beauty bar do the trick. And always keep the toilet lids closed and the shower curtains drawn.
Bedrooms. Put the laundry in the hamper, make the beds.
Should it stay or should it go? Have an antique chandelier or plasma tv you’re not willing to part with? How about a top of the line set-in barbeque or sentimental orange tree? Discuss the definition of "fixtures" with your agent, as all that is attached conveys with the property. If you must, remove those items and replace with a substitute prior to marketing the property. What a buyer sees, a buyer may want.
Throwing in the backyard furniture, the hot tub, extra paint and the garage freezer? Be prepared that the buyer may specifically not want those items, plus some may be subject to hazardous waste regulations. Proper and legal disposal of unwanted items will need to be properly arranged for in advance.
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Valuables & Safety
The public will be entering your home, usually under the watchful eye of your listing agent or a buyer’s agent. However, during an open house or a fast-paced tour, To prevent temptation remove or lock up the following items:
Jewelry
Heirlooms
Sentimental pieces
Prescription medicines and drugs
Guns and weapons
Expensive artwork
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Crowded
Showings are best left to the buyer’s agent who knows their client. The listing agent will remain presently unobtrusive until needed. The sellers should make themselves scarce for showings, open houses and home inspections so that the buyers can feel comfortable to talk and take their time.
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Meeting Potential Buyers
At times you will interact with potential buyers and their agents. If your agent is present, allow them to orchestrate the show.
Otherwise, the best practice is say just the necessary pleasantries and give them space. If they are truly interested in your property, there will be an appropriate time & place to engage in dialogue. Answer any questions honestly, but don’t hesitate to refer them to your agent if you don’t know the answer.
Its not picture perfect. Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be to sell. A real estate agent is trained to see the home’s potential, not the breakfast dishes on the table. They will guide the buyers to the right features. You live in your home and have a full life. Messiness is not an excuse for not showing the house.
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Return on Investment
Listen to the market (and your real estate professional!)
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Selling Tips
