23 Sale Makers!

The following checklist sets a good example – without getting you involved in major renovations or full scale redecorating projects. Since first impressions are formed from the street, the list starts outside your home:

• The front door greets the prospective client – make sure that it is clean
• Keep lawns and hedges neatly trimmed, weed flowerbeds.
• Clean out your garage or carport to show off it’s full size.
• Clean the outside of the windows.
• Oil gate hinges and latches, repair fence if necessary.
• Remove dead limbs and branches from trees – especially from evergreens.
• Check your veranda lights; are house numbers faded?
• Touch up outdoor paintwork if necessary.
• Don’t let anything obstruct the Street’s view of your “For Sale” sign – and keep it shining clean and upright.

Once they enter your home, prospective buyers are most interested in checking items that will help them assess its overall condition. That’s why it’s very important to remember jobs like these:

• Wash down entry walls or give them a coat of paint.
• Repair drawer and cupboard doors that stick, squeak or won’t close properly.
• Free up hard to open windows.
• Repair leaky taps and any toilet that runs, replace loose tiles.
• You are going move anyway – so clear out the clutter from every room.
• Wash kitchen walls, if necessary and shine up sink, knobs etc.
• Make sure your closets are clear of everything except clothes that are neatly hung or folded.

Here are a few pointers to remember when you know that prospective buyers are going to call:

• Open curtains to let sunshine fill your home.
• Try to avoid cooking a meal that might cause a lingering odour (kippers, cabbage, curry, etc.)
• Put large pets outside. Keep all pets away from prospects.
• Get the children settled quietly in one room. Leave the prospective buyers alone with the agent.
• Don’t let the radio or TV compete with the salesperson’s voice.
• Let the salesperson do the talking – and the walking. Unless asked, do not join the tour of the home.
• Above all, do not discuss price or terms. Give polite answers to direct questions and let your agent negotiate the sale.
• Finally do not apologize for the appearance of your home.

As a matter of fact if you follow the checklist, you won’t feel it is necessary!