Sprucing up the homestead for a sale

 Here are 19 tested tips:

 

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn trimmed and edged, the flower beds cultivated and the yard clear of refuse.

Remove snow and ice from the walks and porch in winter. Exterior siding should be washed to remove algae and environmental residue. Place a framed picture of the home, at its best, inside the front door on a table.

 

2. DECORATE YOUR HOME - A STEP TOWARD A SALE

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce desire.

Do not tell the prospective buyer how the place can be made to look; show it by redecorating first. A quicker sale at a higher price may result.

 

3. CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS

Bright, cheery windows and unmarred walls will assist your sale.

 

4. FIX THAT FAUCET

Dripping water discolours the enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing fixtures.

 

5. A DAY WITH THE CARPENTER

Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors and the like become noticed. Have them fixed.

 

6. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

The attic and basement are important. Remove unnecessary articles, and display the full value of your storage and utility spaces. For a few dollars, have an electrician install lighting in crawl spaces and storage areas.

 

7. OBSTACLE COURSE

Prospects will have to dodge items unless all stairways are cleared of objects. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries. Remove clutter and put into rental storage.

 

8. CLOSET ILLUSIONS

Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats, and other articles neatly placed, will make your closets appear larger. Now is the time to get rid of old and out-of-date clothing.

 

9. YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ROOM IS THE KITCHEN

Colourful curtains in harmony with the floors and countertops add appeal. The smell of a freshly baked loaf of bread appeals to prospective purchasers.

 

10. CHECK AND DOUBLECHECK YOUR BATHROOM

Bright and clean bathrooms help sell homes. Cultured marble basins with cracks can be cut out and conventional basins installed.

 

11. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

Bedrooms are always outstanding features. Arrange them neatly. Consider painting the ceilings to brighten the room.

 

12. CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT?

Illumination is a welcome sign. For after-dark inspections, turn on your lights from the front porch on through the house. The prospective buyer will feel a glowing warmth.

 

13. THREE'S A CROWD

More will lose a sale. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The prospect will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

 

14. LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG - DOES NOT APPLY IN HOUSE SELLING

Keep pets out of the way, and preferably out of the house. Any corner where pets sleep should be cleaned before any inspections.

 

15. SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Be courteous but do not force conversation with the prospect. They are there to inspect your house, not socialize.

 

16. BE I EVER SO HUMBLE

Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained sales representatives answer any objections that are raised. This is their job.

 

17. IN THE SHADOWS

Please do not accompany the prospect and real-estate representative. They know the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your house when alone. You will be called if needed.

 

18. PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE

Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the prospect before he or she has purchased the house loses the sale. Proper timing is important.

 

19. A WORD TO THE WISE

Do not discuss price, terms, possessions or other factors with the potential buyers, refer them to the realtor.

 

Now that your house is ready to show, you are one step up on the competition.

 

Information provided by Shell Busey and the Province. For more information go to theprovince.com or askshell.com.