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Maximize Your Home Selling Potential

How can I improve the chances of selling my house?

When you are showing your home to prospective buyers, first impressions are the most lasting and the most important to its sale. Your major role as a seller will be to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The time, effort and limited financial investment involved can give you the competitive edge needed to sell your home when you want at the price you want. Your home's exterior creates the prospective buyer's first impression. Remember that first impressions usually stick with us. Since the exterior is the first thing a potential buyer will see, use the following 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.
  • Driveways and sidewalks are washed down and checked for cracking and crumbling.
  • 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.
  • A spotless interior will reinforce your home's good first impression.
  • Store unused and unnecessary items in closets and storage areas or hold a garage sale.
  • Eliminate clutter and your home will look more an important selling point.

Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would, and use the checklist below to make sure it is ready to show:

  • Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
  • Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas.
  • Badly worn furniture is temporarily stored in 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 glasses 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.

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 the 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 if the house has been closed for some time.
  • The house has adequate lighting (during day-time drapes are open; at night plenty of lights are on, including the porch light)
  • Wood is stored next to the fire place. 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 to do while your house is being shown:

  • Be courteous, but don't force conversation with the potential buyer(s). Ask your real estate broker 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 that you may answer questions, but don't tag along.
  • Let your real estate professional discuss price terms, profession 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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