Preparing your home for sale

The old adage, "you do not get a second chance to make a good first impression" certainly applies to houses, especially when they are on the market for sale.

It is important to make certain that the first impression is a favorable one. That is the purpose of the information that we are providing to you in this marketing plan: it is advice to help your home sell quickly and for the highest possible price.

If you have ever visited model homes, you know how good they look. The thought might have even crossed your mind that you would like to not only have the home but all the furniture, pictures, flower arrangements and knick-knacks on the shelves.

There are some individuals who really know how to make a home look its best without spending a lot of money. There are things that can be done to give it that "model home" look so prospective buyers will want it and everything else in the house that you are willing to sell.

When homes have this kind of appeal, they sell quickly and usually for the highest possible price. Another interesting characteristic of homes that look this good is that usually the transaction is remarkably free of problems.

A word of caution. Don't wait to see if the house will sell first before implementing these ideas. Once you do decide to take action, don't do just the easy ones or the bare minimum.

It is important to understand that you will never have more showing activity on the home than you will during the first thirty to forty days of the listing. The reason is simple: there are agents working with buyers in the marketplace who have seen everything available and for one reason or another, haven't bought. They are just waiting for something new to come on the market to show these buyers.

Typical buyers put all of their savings into the down payment and closing costs and do not have anything left over to improve the home, such as replacing the carpet. Those buyers will just have to live with that carpet until they can afford to replace it. If buyers have a choice of two comparable properties similar in price, they will choose the one in the best condition. Just as on the other hand, if two properties are similar in condition, the buyers will choose the one that costs less.

CURB APPEAL

A frustration of professional real estate agents is after having made an appointment to show a home that will meet the buyer's requirements, they drive up in front of the home, and the buyer says, "I don't want to look at this house. I don't like the looks of the outside".

It doesn't matter how lovely your home may be behind that front door, a buyer will be turned off by crumbling front steps, a doorbell that doesn't work, creaky hinges, or chipping paint on the porch.

• Landscaping should enhance - not hide the property. Trim shrubs and trees.
• Repair driveways and clean the garage. Remember to keep the garage door down and closed.
• Trim and edge the lawn and remove all debris.
• Create "House Beautiful" by weeding the flower beds and planting seasonal flowers.
• Replace damaged paving blocks on walkways.
• The front entrance should sparkle -- scrub or paint if needed.
• Broken doorbell, creaky hinges, ripped screen, cracked window panes or chipped or peeling paint give signs of poor maintenance.

WHEN AN APPOINTMENT IS MADE

Agents from many real estate firms will want to show your home; please allow any agent who calls to show your home at the suggested time. If you are not frequently available, it is suggested that you allow a lockbox to be installed on your door. You will be increasing your odds by allowing the greatest number of potential qualified buyers to see your home. You do not want to miss an out-of-town transferee because your home was not able to be shown. During a showing:

• Open all draperies and window shades during daylight hours.
• Turn on all lights and replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs where needed.
• Open windows one half hour before showing to give home that fresh feeling.
• Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling.
• Place fresh flowers on kitchen table and in the living room.
• The kitchen and bathroom should sparkle.
• Pets should be confined or restricted from view. Eliminate pet odors. Not everyone may share your love of animals. Some people may even be allergic to them.
• All jewelry, small valuables, etc. should be stored in a safety deposit box or in a locked closet.
• Replace any items, such as chandeliers, not included in the sale, or tag them with "to be replaced with..." or "not included" signs.
• Beds should be made and clothes picked up. Bathrooms should be clean, with towels folded and toilet lid down.
• When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, please leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. You never know when the right person is going to look at it