20 Tips for Home Sellers

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE IMPORTANT!
   Remember that when a prospect comes to look at your home, the first thing he will see is your front door. Be sure that it is fresh and clean. Be sure that your front lawn and landscaping is well manicured and trim looking. Make sure that your yard is not full of leaves or garbage. If it has snowed, be certain that the ice and snow from the walk has been removed.
2. WHAT YOU SHOW IS WHAT YOU GET!
   Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why not try to sell your prospect your home the way it could really look with a little redecorating. A quick sale at a higher price will result. It will put equity in your pocket!
3. LET THE SUN SHINE IN!
   Open those blinds and drapes all the way so the purchaser can see how bright and cheerful your home is.
4. FIX THAT LEAKY FAUCET!
   Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests that there is worn out plumbing
5. LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT!
   Take a few minutes to make sure that your doors do not stick or have loose knobs on them. Don’t forget windows and cabinet drawers.
6. SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS!
   Clear off your stairways.
7. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM!
   Display your attic, basement and under the stairs by removing all unnecessary articles. A coat of paint can do wonders if your basement is dark and dreary.
8. BIG CLOSETS!
   Make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized.
9. BATHROOMS SELL HOMES!
   Make these rooms sparkle. Check and repair any damaged or discolored caulking in the bathtubs and showers and be sure that the towels and all rugs are bright!
10. BEDROOMS SHOULD NOT SLEEP!
    Keep the rooms bright and cheerful. Remove any excess furniture and be sure to use attractive and colorful bedspreads and curtains.
11. SHINE ON!
    Your homes illumination can be a welcome sign. Help the realtor show your home by turning on all the lights before the purchaser arrives. This allows the realtor to focus on the buyer instead of where the light switches are.
12. TWO IS A COUPLE THREE IS A CROWD!
    Don’t have too many people present at the time of the inspection or the potential buyer may feel like an intruder and want to hurry through your home. If possible, it is better to leave for 30 minutes.
13. MUSIC SOOTHES THE SAVAGE!
    Please turn off the music or television. Let your salesperson and buyer talk freely and not be distracted.
14. CURB YOUR DOG!
    Please keep all your pets out of the way and not underfoot. Pet odors stop many potential sales.
15. SILENCE IS GOLDEN!
    Don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He is there to inspect your home.
16. BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE!
    Never apologize for the appearance of your home. If any objections or derogatory comments are offered, let your Salesperson answer them — it is our job!
17. STAY IN THE BACKYARD!
    Your Royal LePage agent knows the desires of the buyer and can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you aren’t tagging along. If there are any questions she will call you.
18. DON’T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE!
    Trying to sell the prospective buyers some of your furniture before they have purchased your home could lose the sale.
19. A WORD TO THE WISE!
    Let your salesperson discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other facts with the client. She has been trained and has experience so let her bring negotiations to a satisfactory close.
20. GO AHEAD AND USE OUR SALESPERSONS!
    We recommend that we show your home to prospective purchasers by appointment only. Never allow a prospective purchaser through your home unless a Realtor accompanies him.