1. Stage the home so a buyer can mentally move into it! Living in a home and selling it are two different things. A buyer only knows what they see, not the way it’s going to be. A buyer must see themselves in the home with their own “stuff”

2. When you sell your car you clean it up, do the same with your house.
a. Color, clutter and clean. Make your home show light and bright and colorful.
b. Pack yourself up early (you’re going to pack eventually anyway). Neatness and spaciousness mean as much as cleanliness.
c. Invest the time and energy
d. Think like a movie director (stage everything)
e. Make up a pile in each room of stuff to pack away
f. Magazines go. Ashtrays go. Pack or throw out.
g. The customer buys a picture; if they’re not in it – this is not the house
h. Plants that are “hanging on”, get rid of them
i. Fireplace, clean the soot off; not too many items on the mantle; stains off the hearth.
j. Pack collections away (buyer will look at collection instead of the house)
k. Anything valuable pack and put away
l. Dust, clean and vacuum.
m. Move excess furniture out
n. Move extension cords that might be laying around
o. Replace the chandelier if you’re keeping it.
p. Consider the value of a quick coat of paint (Exterior and Interior). Wallpaper – consider painting over if possible
q. Give special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, they sell more homes than any other rooms.
r. Walls should be unmarred and windows sparkling clean. Drapes – if not clean or if out of date, throw out!
s. Fix leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, sticky drawers and warped cabinet drawers. The little things DO count!
t. Keep all rooms clean, bright and neatly arranged. Closets being tidy and neatly arranged show better.
u. Bookshelf – Large objects only
v. Odors – pets, smoking, cooking, get rid of with an effective odor eater.
w. Music – soft FM

3. Kitchen:
a. What can you live without? Pack it up.
b. Refrigerator – no magnets or clutter, clean off what’s on top
c. Put spices away
d. No crumbs, no cutting board
e. Put dishes away; don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink!
f. Use smaller waste baskets and make sure they are not in the way.
g. Put blender away
h. Everything must be sparkling clean!

4. Bathrooms:
a. Towels, no mixed colors, put your favorite set out
b. Lid down
c. Cat box cleaned daily and put away
d. No extra bottles on tub and clean, clean, clean!
e. Floor sparkling clean.

5. Bedrooms:
a. No magazines or rugs, keep it simple.
b. Nothing on bed
c. Closet doors shut
d. Drapes and blinds set right.

6. Dining Room:
a. Take table leaves out and keep it at 4 chairs max. (To keep floor plan spacious and open)

7. Exterior:
a. Stand across from your house, think like a buyer!
b. Walk all around the outside of the house, this is the first impression that a potential buyer gets of your home.
c. Boat, van, motorcycle, truck, and excess cars out. Clean grease from you driveway. (These distract from your house)
d. Remove all unnecessary material from carport and porches.
e. Move piles away from house.
f. Keep the yard clean, mowed and flower beds cultivated.
g. Healthy plants only, throw others away
h. Trim plants, get rid of moss.
i. Large trees? Cut the lower branches. Same goes for shrubs and bushes.
j. Clear sidewalks, sweep daily.
k. Paint the deck; paint the home; fresh bark on ground; fresh new trees.
l. Maybe all you need is an exterior power wash, it can take years off! (we have references)

Pack and take care of this list of to do’s before the buyer comes over!

WHEN THE SALES AGENT AND PROSPECTIVE BUYER ARRIVE:

1. Greet them courteously, and then DISAPPEAR. If you can, leave the house and take the pets and kids (if any) with you. Your presence may inhibit free discussion, making it difficult for the salesperson to effectively show your home.

2. DO NOT volunteer any comments unless the sales agent requests them.

3. DO NOT try to interest the buyer in purchasing furnishings.

4. DO NOT discuss the terms of the sale, occupancy or related matter with the buyer. REFER ALL QUESTIONS TO THE SALES AGENT.

5. Turn on lights, if home, especially in dark rooms, and open the drapes.

6. After the showing, the buyer may phone you for information or for a commitment that may be detrimental to your best interests. Rather than give any information, refer the buyer to the salesperson.

7. NEVER let anyone into your home unless they’re accompanied by an agent, and ask that agent for a business card. (If you are home)

8. If someone knocks on your door to see your house without an agent, it is always best to take their name and number and have your sales agent make an appointment with them. We are professionals and know how to show your house at its best as well as represent your best interests!