Selling Tips

20 Steps to sell your home

1. MAKE THE MOST OF THAT FIRST IMPRESSION
A well-manicured lawn and shrubs, and a clutter free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted or a freshly scrubbed front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, make sure there's no ice on the sidewalk or steps. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

2. INVEST A FEW HOURS OF FUTURE DIVIDENDS
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the bedroom, 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. Prospects would rather see how great your home 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 leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what is right about your home.

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 the prospect's mind. Don't try to explain sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort can smooth the way towards 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 visitors.

6. MAKE ROOM FOR SPACE
Remember potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They are 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. Now's the time to box those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

8. MAKE YOUR BATHROOMS SPARKLE
Bathrooms sell homes so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, use your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

9. CREATE DREAM BEDROOMS.
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedroom. 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 in. Pull back your curtains and a drape so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home really is. Be sure your windows are sparkling clean too.

11. LIGHTEN UP AT NIGHT
Turn on the excitement. Turn on all your lights, both inside and out, when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color, 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 are 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 in the way. Do everybody a favor: keep your dog or cat outside if you can, or at least out of the way. Also, be sure your home does not have any lingering pet odors that could make the buyer feel uncomfortable.

14. THINK VOLUME
Rock 'n roll will never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to lower the volume on the stereo or TV.

15. RELAX
Be friendly, and don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distractions or interruptions.

16. DON'T APOLOGIZE
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory remark about your home, let Deborah handle the situation.

17. KEEP A LOW PROFILE
Nobody knows your home as well as you do, but Deborah knows the buyers. She know swhat they need or what they want. Deborah 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 a prospect comes to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell your furnishings. You may lose the biggest sale of all - your home.

19. DEFER TO EXPERIENCE
When prospects want to talk about price, terms and conditions, or other real estate matters, let them speak to the expert, Deborah Kurtz. That's when a good agent earns his or her pay by putting highly effective negotiating and training techniques to use.

20. HELP Deborah
Deborah will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the agent's office. You'll also appreciate the results. If a prospect contacts you directly, get their name and number and give it to Deborah.

Deborah Kurtz 403-667-7355(SELL)

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