THE STRENGTH OF PRUDENTIAL, THE NEIGHBORHOOD TOUCH

USE THE EYE OF A BUYER

Presentation is everything no matter what you are selling. To compete with other homes on the market, you must present you home in the best possible light.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average buyer looks at 10 to 20 properties before purchasing a home. No matter how many homes are on the market, buyers will always look for the best price, and a home that is in the best possible condition.

Complete repairs BEFORE your first showing. The best showings are most often in the beginning of the listing period before the house becomes “stale”.

Remember, you are not just selling your house. You are selling a home, a lifestyle and a dream to someone else.

 

REVIEW YOUR HOME INSIDE AND OUT

When potential buyers arrive at your home, they are searching for something unique to each of them, and first impressions DO make a difference. Take the time to walk around the outside of the property with the "eye of a buyer."

 

THIS IS  NOT A COMPLETE LIST, NOR DOES EVERY SUGGESTION HAVE TO BE COMPLETED. I CAN MAKE SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE. USING THE “EYE OF A BUYER” CAN HELP YOU SELL YOUR HOME FASTER AND FOR MORE MONEY!!!!

• EXTERIOR:
• Is there anything needing repair, painting, looking worn out or outdated?

           

• Is the landscaping neat and trimmed, with no overhanging branches, weeds or just overgrown?
• Adding seasonal flowers, whether planted or potted adds a splash of color and makes the house look inviting.
• Hanging a wreath on the front door, or putting out minimal seasonal decorations make the house look like HOME.
• Make sure windows are clean, and screens for both window and sliding door are in good repair (no holes or tears). Replace any broken window panes.
• Check for missing shingles.
• Is your siding, deck, patio, or fencing in need of a power washing or a coat of fresh paint?
• Purchase a doormat that says “Welcome”.

The one thing you as a homeowner have control of, is the condition of the property

 

• Sweep and keep the driveway free of clutter. It’s most likely the first thing potential buyers will see.
• Inspect walkways and entry steps and make sure they are in good repair.
• Hide or stow garbage cans out of sight whenever possible.
• If you have patio furniture, make sure it is clean and in good repair

Many of these repairs or quick fixes will be things your have grown used to and were on your “to-do” list. Buyers will notice minor flaws and quickly add up the cost of repairs, generally at an amount higher than it actually is.

Today, with seller disclosure statements and diligent home inspections, the rule for MAJOR repairs/replacement is “FIX IT”, or offer an allowance for the buyer to make the repairs after closing.

 

INTERIOR:

 

This is the place your potential buyer will be spending most of their time and you want it to be as appealing as possible.

First and foremost, clean, clean, clean!! Make it a routine to sweep, vacuum, dust, mop and put everything in it’s place on a daily basis. Make beds, and keep sink free of dirty dishes. Remember, if you opt to put a lock box on your home, people will be viewing your home while you are out

 

ENTRYWAY:

• If you don't have a formal entry hallway, a well placed mirror will make the entry look more spacious. Placing a small, slip proof rug in the area will protect the entry floor and the rest of your flooring from footprints and other debris.
• If you have a hall closet, it is the first one inspected. Remove unused coats, and other unnecessary items to make it look more roomy.
• If you have a table or other furniture in the entryway, a small vase of flowers (dried or fresh) or a plant adds color and a focal point for a great first impression.

STAIRWAYS:

• If necessary, always leave the stairway light on to provide adequate lighting and promote safety. Remove clutter from stairs, or invest in a stair basket if space allows
• Railings must be tight and secure, and runners or carpeting securely tacked down
• Basement stairs should have some sort of hand rail, especially if the stairs are steep and narrow. Home inspectors will usually ask you to put one up if there isn’t one, so it makes sense to install one now.
  

BATHROOMS:

A clean bathroom is a MUST. Buyers will make decisions on general upkeep of the home based on the cleanliness and maintenance of the bathrooms. Even an older bathroom can be made to shine and make a good impression, and hopefully keep the buyer from estimating the cost of remodeling right away.

• Make sure toilets are clean in and out, and aren’t “running” all the time. Replace interior parts if needed.
• Clear off countertops and store personal products out of site. Organize drawers, medicine cabinets and under sink cabinets.
• Replace worn, old or dirty shower curtains (you can purchase them inexpensively at a dollar store).
• Scrub all mildew and soap scum off tiles, shower stall, shower doors and bathtubs. Replace or repair caulking and missing tiles as needed.
• Repair faucets that leak or do not work properly. Again, home inspectors will eventually have you make the repairs so do it now.
• Accessorize with accent colors, but do not go overboard. Colorful bathrooms should have neutral accents, and neutral bathrooms should have muted color accents. Throw rugs are a good idea to cover old or faded floor tile or linoleum.
• Plug in air fresheners are inexpensive and add a pleasant touch.

KITCHEN: 

The most important room in your home is the kitchen. Here again, buyers look for CLEANLINESS as a measure of the general upkeep of your home.

• First and foremost, avoid clutter. Whenever possible, remove unused appliances and store them neatly under cabinets or in closets. Wash, dry and put away dishes each day and hide the dishrack whenever possible

• All surfaces, sinks and appliances must be clean. Pay special attention to the stove top and, if leaving the refrigerator, it’s interior.
• If you use the top of the refrigerator for storage, use baskets to hide the “stuff”.
• Organize cabinets and drawers. Neat, organized drawers and shelves give the impression of roominess and adequate storage.
• Update window curtains or remove them if your kitchen window view is exceptional. A bright and cheery kitchen is the heart of most homes.
• Use placemats, tablecloths, or set the table with pretty place settings to give the room an at home feel.
• Adding greenery, if space allows, also adds to the hominess of a kitchen. Just remember to water them so they don’t get brown and wilted.

DINING ROOM: Here less is more.

• If the table has leaves, remove them.
• Set the table using a tablecloth if you like, and place settings if possible.
• Add a small centerpiece if space allows.

GARAGE:

If your homes has a garage (or 2 or 3), it is a wonderful asset. Keeping it looking neat and orderly, and showing it has room for a car (or more if it is large enough) is a wonderful selling point for today’s buyers.

• Sweep and wash the floors if you can. Organize tools and other equipment, paint cans, lawnmowers, bicycles etc., using the wall space whenever possible.
• If the garage is small, remove your car. An empty garage (like any other room) looks larger.
• If using the garage for storage, invest in plastic storage containers to make the room look orderly and organized.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

• Remove clutter wherever possible!!!!
• Regularly maintain all essential systems (heating, cooling, water heater etc.), and continue with any other regularly scheduled services you may have (pest control, lawn service).
• Basements, attics, and garages used for storage should utilize rubber storage containers.
• Laundry rooms should be organized and neat, with no clothes lying about.
• Inspect all interior walls for cracks, loose wallpaper, and faded paint and repair as needed. Be especially careful if repainting the walls. Neutral colors will make your home more appealing to a wider range of buyers.
• Arrange furniture to give the room a spacious feeling. If needed, move larger pieces of furniture to another room or, if you can, place them in storage.
• Pay close attention to peoples sense of smell. Cigarette smoke , heavy cooking odors and pets can make a buyer wonder if the smell will ever leave. Carpets should be shampooed and deodorized professionally to make them as clean and odor free as possible. Curtains and drapes should be washed or dry cleaned to remove odors.
• Use air fresheners whenever possible. Humans have an affinity for vanilla, cinnamon, fresh flowers, and bread/pies baking so keep that in mind when purchasing air fresheners and candles.
• Always leave your curtains and blinds or shades open to let the light in unless there is a less then wonderful view, and always turn on all of the lights when the house is being shown.
• Empty closets of out of season clothing and pack them away for the move. Organize closets to show how roomy they are.