20 Tips On How To Show A Home To Its Best Advantage

Preparation for showing

1. First Impressions are lasting impressions. An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn trimmed and edged - flower bed cultivated - the yard free and clear of refuse. Remove snow and ice from the walks and porch stoop in the winter time.
2. Decorate your home - step toward a SALE. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce desire. Do not tell the prospect how the place can be made to look - show him by redecorating first. A quicker sale at a higher price will result.
3. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Bright, cheery windows and unmarred walls will assist your sale.
4. Fix that faucet. Dripping water discolors the enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing.
5. A day with the carpenter. Loose door knobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors and the like are noticed by the prospect. Have them fixed.
6. From top to bottom. The attic and basement are important features. Remove all unnecessary articles which have accumulated. Display the full value of your storage and utility spaces.
7. Step high - step low. Prospects will do just that unless all stairways are cleared of objects. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
8. Closet illusions. Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed, will make your closets appear adequate.
9. Dear to her heart is the kitchen. Colorful curtains in harmony with the floor and counter tops add appeal for the lady of the house.
10. Check and double check your bathroom. Bright and clean bathrooms sell many homes.
11. For the rest of your life. Bedrooms are always outstanding features. Arrange them neatly.
12. Can you see the light? Illumination is a welcome sign. For after-dark inspection, turn on your lights, from the front porch on through. The prospect will feel a glowing warmth otherwise impossible to attain.
13. "Three's a crowd." More will lose the sale. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The prospect will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
14. Music is mellow. But not when showing a house. Shut off the radio and television - they distract. Let the salesman and the buyer talk, free of such disturbances.
15. Love me, love my dog does not apply in house selling. Keep pets out of the way - preferably out of the house.
16. Silence is golden. Be courteous but do not force conversation with the prospect. He is there to inspect your house, not to pay a social call.
17. Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived-in. Let our trained salesmen answer any objections that are raised. This is his job.
18. In the shadows. Please do not tag along with the prospect and the salesman. He knows the buyer's requirement and can better emphasize the features of your house when alone. You will be called if needed.
19. Putting the cart before the horse. Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the prospect before they have purchased the house often loses the sale. Proper timing is important.
20. A word to the wise. Do not discuss price, terms, possession or other factors with the customers. Refer them to us. We are better equipped to bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion with all due dispatch.

We ask that you show your house to prospective customers only by appointment through this office. Your cooperation will be appreciated and lead to a more prompt consummation of the sale.