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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
it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel the
walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the
true appeal of your home, the better.
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2 |
Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here’s 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 you’re 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."
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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. Don’t let
little problems detract from what’s right with your
home.
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4 |
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.
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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.
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6 |
Make Room 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.
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7 |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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15 |
Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation.
Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of
distraction.
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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 RE/MAX CONNECTION Agent handle the
situation.
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17 |
Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX
CONNECTION Agents know buyers - what they need and what
they want. Your RE/MAX CONNECTION Agent will have an
easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you
stay in the background.
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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.
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19 |
Defer to Experience - It's the
Experience®
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real
estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your
RE/MAX CONNECTION Agent.
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20 |
Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX CONNECTION Agent will have an easier time
selling your home if showings are scheduled through his
or her office. You'll appreciate the results!
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