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Use this checklist to
make sure your home's exterior looks its best:
Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and
drive.
Flower garden is weeded.
Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are
eliminated.
All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment
are neatly stored.
Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if
necessary.
The roof, gutters and downspouts are in good repair.
Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens,
windows and window sills are washed. Doorknobs are polished.
Doorbell and front lights are in good working order.
If you
would have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider
painting the house before showing it. A new paint job, well done, will
normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the paint.
Remember,
if your home's exterior looks clean, orderly and in good repair, that's the
impression your house will first convey.
A
Spotless Interior Will Reinforce Your Home's Good First Impression
Interior dirt and
clutter can obscure your home's good points, so start with a full
housecleaning from top to bottom. Store unused or unnecessary items in
closets and storage areas or hold a garage sale. Eliminate clutter and your
home will look more spacious ÷ an important selling point.
Take an
inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would, and
use the following checklist to make sure it's ready to show:
Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and
dents.
Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas;
wallpaper is cleaned and woodwork waxed.
Badly worn furniture is temporarily stored in a family's
or neighbor's attic or basement.
Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered.
Rugs and carpets are shampooed. Floors are waxed.
Loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped
drawers are repaired.
Leaky faucets are fixed. Water discoloration in sink is
eliminated.
Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free
of objects.
Light fixtures are in good working order. Discolored or
cracked switch plates are replaced.
Closets, shelves and drawers are organized to display
spaciousness.
Clothing is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are
neatly arranged.
Bathrooms are sparkling clean. Tub and shower caulking
is repaired.
Bedrooms are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are
attractive.
The kitchen is clean and tidy, including cupboards,
stove and oven.
The basement, attic and garage are clean and well
organized.
Mirrors, picture frames and glass covering pictures are
clean.
Mirrors are strategically placed to create an impression
of added space in problem areas.
Lamp shades are in good condition.
Electrical connections are plugged in.
Consider
painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning doesn't do the trick.
It is
also important to keep lighting in mind when you show your home. Good
lighting will make your home seem more cheery and spacious.
Over-improving
Doesn't Pay
Don't plan major
improvements on your home. Most home-buyers want to make their own major
changes. You are usually wiser to sell them the potential ÷ at a price they
can afford.
What
You Can Do to Help Your Real Estate Agent Show Your Home
Showing your home is
all important to its sale, and there are many ways you can help your real
estate professional do his or her job successfully.
Here
are some last-minute details that will maximize your home's selling
potential:
The television and radio are turned off or low enough to
allow the salesperson and buyer(s) to talk, free of disturbances.
Children and pets are sent outdoors to play or otherwise
entertained to eliminate confusion and to keep the prospect's attention
focused positively on your house.
Bad odors are eliminated. Air freshener is used before
the potential buyer arrives, especially if you have pets or the house has
been closed up for some time.
The house has adequate lighting (during daytime, drapes
are open; at night plenty of lights are on, including the porch light).
Wood is stored next to the fireplace. In winter, a fire
is lit.
The kitchen sink is free of dishes.
Magazines and children's toys are in order.
Plants have been watered and look healthy.
Fresh flowers are arranged tastefully around the house.
What
You Can Do While Your House is Being Shown:
Be courteous, but don't force conversation with the
potential buyer(s). Ask your real estate broker or agent if your presence is
necessary.
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let
your real estate broker or agent answer any objections.
Leave it to your real estate professional to emphasize
the features of your home.
Make sure your agent or broker knows where you are so
you may answer questions, but don't tag along.
Let your real estate professional discuss price, terms,
possession and other factors with the potential buyer(s).
Remember, your real estate broker or agent has the
experience and training necessary to bring negotiations to a successful
conclusion. And, if you've followed the guidelines provided, you'll know
you've already done your part in helping your home sell by making sure it
creates a good first impression.
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Copyright 1998 by
Chicago Title Insurance Co. All Rights Reserved.
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