In addition to providing you with a comprehensive comparative market analysis, we will present out 17-point marketing plan devised to show your house in the best light and get the most exposure possible.
When we list your home, we will go through the house together. Meanwhile, here are some of our tips for you to think about. In doing this, we will be ahead of most of the sellers (our competition) already on the market in the way your home shows.
INSIDE:
1. Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items.
2. Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it hasn’t been used for three months…put it away! Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, pictures, etc. (A sparse kitchen helps the buyer mentally move their own things into your kitchen.)
3. In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from countertops, tubs, shower stalls and commode tops. Hide away any prescription drugs. Keep only your most needed cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small group on the counter. Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
4. Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary. As owners, many times we have too much furniture in a room. This is wonderful for our own personal enjoyment, but when it comes to selling, we need to thin out as much as possible to make rooms appear larger.
5. Take down, or rearrange certain pictures or objects on walls. Patch and paint if necessary.
6. Review the house inside room by room, and:
a) Paint any room needing paint.
b) Clean carpets or drapes that need it.
c) Clean windows.
7. Don’t worry about closets or garages in regards to being “too full.” People expect that.
8. Leave on certain lights during the day. (I’ll show you which ones). During “showings” turn on all lights and lamps.
9. Have light music on when you know the house is going to be shown.
10. Lock Box – #1 Importance: “IF WE DON’T HAVE IT, THEY WON’T SHOW US!”
OUTSIDE:
1. Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans into the garage and get rid of all discarded wood scraps and extra building materials.
2. Check gutters and/or roof for dry rot. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
3. Look at all plants…prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. “YOU CAN’T SELL A HOUSE IF YOU CAN’T SEE IT.’
4. Weed and then bark all planting areas. Keep lawn freshly cut and fertilized. Remove any dead plants or shrubs.
5. Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, toys, etc. (Put them in the garage).
6. Check paint condition of the house – especially the front door and trim. “CURB APPEAL REALLY WORKS!”
IN GENERAL
Try to look at your house “THROUGH THE BUYER’S EYES” as though you’ve never seen it or been there before. Any time or money spent on these items will bring you back more money in return, and hopefully a faster sale.
Pay particular attention to the condition and age of the roof, furnace, A/C, hotwater heater, appliances and masonry. Does anything need repairing? Consider getting a home inspector to do a pre-sale inspection. For a few hundred dollars, it may be worth getting a full understanding of your house’s condition so there are no surprises during a transaction.
