| 1. |
Make
the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free
porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted
or at least freshly scrubbed front door. If its
autumn, rake the leaves. If its winter, shovel the walkways.
The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal
of your home, the better. |
| 2. |
Invest
a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Heres your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean
up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork
is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration.
Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. If
youre worried about time, hire professional cleaners
or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would
rather see how great your home really looks than hear how
great it could look "with a little work." |
| 3. |
Check
Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests
faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring
leave prospects in the dark. Dont let little problems
detract from whats right with your home. |
| 4. |
Dont
Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be
sure they will also stick in a prospects mind. Dont
try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily
plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the
way toward a closing. |
| 5. |
Think
Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby
traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension
cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights.
Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated
visitors. |
| 6. |
Make
Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just
comfortable living space. Theyre looking for storage
space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and
free of unnecessary items. |
| 7. |
Consider
Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears.
Nows the time to box up those unwanted clothes and
donate them to charity. |
| 8. |
Make
Your Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair
damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For
added allure, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains. |
| 9. |
Create
Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms.
For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful
bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must. |
| 10. |
Open
up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes
so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
|
| 11. |
Lighten
up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights -
both inside and outside - when showing your home in the
evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects
feel welcome. |
| 12. |
Avoid
Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter
a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house
the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through.
Keep the company present to a minimum. |
| 13. |
Watch
Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're
showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot.
So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside,
or at least out of the way. |
| 14. |
Think
Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real
estate transaction. When it's time to show your home,
it's time to turn down the stereo or TV. |
| 15. |
Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects
want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.
|
| 16. |
Don't
Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its
shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment
about your home's appearance, let your experienced Prudential
Associate handle the situation. |
| 17. |
Keep
a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But Prudential Sales
Associates know buyers - what they need and what they
want. Your Prudential Associate will have an easier time articulating
the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
|
| 18. |
Don't
Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract
them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer
need. You may lose the biggest sale of all. |
| 19. |
Defer
to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real
estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your Prudential
Sales Associate. |
| 20. |
Help
Your Agent
Your Prudential Associate will have an easier time selling
your home if showings are scheduled through his or her
office. You'll appreciate the results! |