tips to sell your home

by Scot Kenny

As a homeowner, you play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you’ll help your American 1st Realty Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

First Impression’s
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted or recently scrubbed front door. If it’s fall, rake the leaves. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

A Little Work Now, Means More Money 
Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, and 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. Remember that prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look “with a little work.”

The Little Things
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. Don’t let little problems detract from what’s right with your home.

Don’t Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t 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.

Safety First
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.

Looking for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

· 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.

· 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.

· Open up the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is. Make sure the windows & screens are cleaned. Turn on the lights. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

· Take a Walk
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. Take a walk and let the prospects feel more relaxed.

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.

Think Sound Levels
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.

Relax
Be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

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 American 1st Realty Associate handle the situation.

Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But American 1st Realty Sales Associates know buyers – what they need and what they want. American 1st Realty Agent will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

Remember Your Selling Your Home, Not Your Used Furniture
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.

Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert – your American 1st Realty Agent.

Help Your Agent 
Your Realtor will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. You’ll appreciate the results!