Un-cluttering
Cleaning
Repairing
Neutralizing
Dynamizing
A Home Warranty
Showtime!!!

Un-cluttering

This step involves creating the illusion of more space. I highly recommend having a garage sale as soon as possible. 

       Arrange your furniture to give each room a spacious a feeling.

       Consider removing furniture from rooms that are crowded.

       Store large furniture and accessories you arent using.

       Pack up collectibles ... both to protect them, and to give the room an un-cluttered look.

       Leave a few of the more tasteful collectables to provide a homey look.

       Give away, pack or sell unused items at your garage sale.

       Remove all clutter wherever you find it.

       Make it a daily habit to pickup clothing, shoes, and personal possessions.

       Remove off-season clothing from closets and pack, sell or give away what you dont use.

       Organize closets to demonstrate the most efficient use of space.

       Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.

Cleaning
Every area of your home requires close scrutiny. Each hour spent getting your home into showroom condition can pay big dividends. A clean smelling house creates a positive first impression in the buyers mind.

       Clean all windows, inside and out. This helps make the house sparkle.

       Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs.

       Clean and polish linoleum, tile and wooden floors.

       Clean and polish all woodwork as necessary.

       Pay particular attention to kitchen and bath sinks.

       Clean and polish all light fixtures.

       Cleaning light bulbs make them brighter.

       Control odors from cooking, cigarettes or pets. Some buyers are acutely sensitive to odors.

       Pay particular attention to pet odors. Pet owners may be oblivious to objectionable animal odors. Often the only way to remove the smell of pet urine from flooring is to rip up the carpeting and padding. Check the sub flooring while youre at it, it may need sealing or replacement. If a condition like this is preventing the sale of your home, don't hesitate to make this investment.

       You can use products like carpet deodorizers, air fresheners, and room deodorizers; but the best strategy is to remove the source of the smell rather than cover it up.

       Have your carpets and upholstery cleaned.

       Dry-clean your drapes if you think they need it.

       Mildew odors are an area of great concern. If you smell mildew, find the source and clean it up.

       Dont allow wet towels to accumulate in hampers or dirty laundry to pile up in closets.

       Once offensive odors are identified and removed, consider adding delightful ones. Buyers have positive responses to certain smells. Cinnamon, fresh flowers, breads baking in the oven are all excellent ways to win over a buyer.

Repairing
A rule of thumb is, if something is in need of repair, fix it! There are probably many things around your home that are in need of attention ... things that you have been promising to do for ages. Well, nows the time.

       Buyers expect the home they buy to be in good condition.

       Start your repair list with simple things that are cracked or broken.

       Check the roof for loose or missing shingles.

       Look for dripping faucets or cracked light switch plates.

       Repair loose or rotted boards.

       Repair any problem areas beforehand. If its impossible to complete the repairs first, disclose everything on the mandated Property Disclosure Form.

       Check walls for cracks, holes and dings.

       Needed small repairs and perceived owner neglect will either lower the purchase price or lengthen the time required to sell.

       You might be saying to yourself, "These repairs aren't any big deal." But the buyer is thinking, "If the owners didn't take care of the little items, then what about the roof and the furnace?"

       Buyers mentally add up the cost of repairing minor flaws and typically end up with a much higher estimate than what it would cost you to do the repairs.

Dynamizing

This part of preparing your home for sale is the most fun and involves the use of accessories to emphasize the best features of your home.

       Study magazine ads or furniture showrooms to see how small details can make rooms more attractive and appealing.

       Place a vase of flowers as a centerpiece on a table

       A basket of logs by the fireplace can be appealing

       A brightly colored pillow in a wing chair can create a striking effect

       Neatly arrange a blanket of afghan on a couch

       An open book on the coffee table can invite attention

Neutralizing
 Consider Real Estate Beige no one really likes it, but no one really hates it either.

       Be cautious about selecting colors. The idea is to appeal to the largest number of buyers.

       Forget your personal taste ... neutralizing is not for you, it is for the "market."

       You need to start thinking of your home as a house for sale. Another commodity in competition for a buyers attention.

       The average buyer has a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting and bold wallpaper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones.

       A coat of off-white paint may be the best investment you ever made.

       When painting, replacing wallpaper or re-carpeting use neutral colors.

Atmosphere: 

Place yourself in the buyers shoes. Pause a moment to consider the message your home is sending out. Use your sense of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste just as the buyer will. Now create an atmosphere that allows your home to be seen as a safe haven, warm, comforting and something to take pride in.

       Soften potentially offending views with sheer white curtains

       Open draperies

       Make a collage of pictures of your house and yard showing all seasons. The pictures will show off the best of your home and give you yet another selling edge.

       Take advantage of natural light as much as possible. To brighten dark areas and add lamps. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs. 

The Exterior

Check your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. You can't make a better investment when you are selling your house! Don't let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on.

       Color creates interest. A tub of geraniums, a pot of petunias, or a basket of impatiens on the front steps is a welcoming touch.

       If you are selling during the winter months, consider using a wreath of dried flowers on the front door.

       If you have a porch or deck, set the stage with pots of flowers and attractively arranged furniture.

       Check to see that all doors and windows are in good working order. Give special attention to your home's exterior doors and front entry. Clean or paint doors if necessary. Remember, first impressions set the stage for the remainder of the house tour.

       Wash the windows and replace any broken or cracked windowpanes.

       Screens should be free of any tears or holes.

       Inspect your locks to ensure that they are functioning properly.

       Invest in a new doormat that says, "Welcome."

The Yard
First impressions are important. If buyers like what they see from the street the home is 50% sold. The importance of Curb Appeal cannot be overlooked.

       Make sure your yard is neatly mowed, raked and edged.

       Pick up childrens toys.

       Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to compliment your house.

       Consider adding seasonal flowers along the walks or in the planting areas.

The Driveway

       The driveway is no place for children's toys.

       The surface of your driveway should be cleaned. It is the first thing a buyer sees when s/he drives up.

       Sweep and wash the driveway and walks to remove debris, dirt, mildew and stains.

       Repair and patch any cracks, edge the sides and pull up any weeds.

The Front Entry                                                          Whether you have a spacious, well- proportioned entry or a space just large enough for a coat rack and a tiny table, the entryway deserves particular attention.

       Paint or wash the front door.

       Study your entry hall and ask yourself what kind of impression it makes about your home.

       Dried flowers or a small plant can make a striking focal point on a hall table.

       Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a well-placed mirror.

       Buyers will observe your entry hall flooring carefully. Make sure the surface is spotless.

       Add an area rug to add appeal and protect the floor during showings.

       The entry coat closet is one of the first things inspected. Make it appear roomy. Hang a bag of cedar chips or some potpourri to give it a fresh scent. Remove all out of season clothing.

Living Areas
Think of these areas s if they were showrooms. Make each area generate a positive response. Add touches that make an area look inviting.

       Start by improving the traffic flow.

       Remove excess furniture.

       Be sure that all doors open fully and easily.

       Sweep and clean the fireplace.

       Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance.

       Have a fire going for showings during the winter months... it creates a great atmosphere.

       Place something colorful on the mantel, but don't make it look like a country craft store.

       Draw attention to exposed beams or a cathedral ceiling with special lighting. Be sure to remove any cobwebs and dust.

       Remove oversized TVs if they dominate the room. Substitute with a smaller one until you move.

The Kitchen  Pay particular attention to your kitchen. This room continues to be the "heart of the home. " A pleasant, working kitchen is near the top of most buyers list of priorities. It is a room that buyers always scrutinize closely.

       Avoid clutter!

       Remove small appliances and store. The idea is to maximize the appearance of workspace.

       Check the counter top around your sink. Remove any detergent or cleanser that may be cluttering the area.

       Sinks, cabinets, and counter tops should be clean and fresh.

       All appliances should be absolutely clean, bright, sparkling and shiny!

       Clean off the top of the refrigerator! If you must use that space for storage, use baskets and bowls to camouflage the items kept there.

       Set the scene with an open cookbook, a basket filled with fruit, a basket of silk flowers, or a ceramic mixing bowl and wire whisk.

       Create the aromas associated with happy homes! Bake some cookies from premixed, refrigerated cookie dough, start baking a loaf of refrigerated bread dough, or pop a frozen apple pie in the oven.

       In the heat of summer, place a bowl of lemons or limes on the counter to provide a fresh and pleasant aroma.

       Clean and organize all storage space. If your cabinets, drawers, and closets are crowded and overflowing, buyers assume that your storage space is inadequate. Give away items you don't use, storing seldom used items elsewhere, and reorganize the shelves. Neat, organized shelves and drawers look larger and more adequate for prospective buyer's needs.

       Do the curtains need washing or the blinds need cleaning? Would the window area look better without any window treatment?

       If you have a counter top eating area, set two attractive place settings with coordinating napkins and placemats, and place cushions on the stools.

       Set the table for an informal meal with bright placemats and a generous bowl of fruit as a centerpiece.

The Dining Room

       Set the scene by setting the table with an attractive place setting.

       Add fresh or silk flowers as a centerpiece.

       If your dining table has extra leaves, take one or two out.

       Consider placing your dining table against the wall.

       Remove any extra "company" chairs.

       Consider putting any oversized pieces in storage until your house is sold.

Laundry Room A separate laundry room is a true asset and is one of the most frequent requests that buyers make during a home search. Don't hide this treasure behind closed doors. Spruce up the room and open the door proudly for inspection.

       Add a fresh coat of paint or put up cheerful wallpaper.

       Organize the cabinets and storage areas.

       Remove dirty laundry. Store dirty laundry in a closed container (maybe even hermetically sealed and welded shut).

       Clean and polish the washer and dryer.

       Consider adding an attractive, coordinated throw rug.

Stairways

       Make certain the stairs are safe!

       Stair lighting should be more than adequate.

       Stairs must be clutter free.

       Stair railings should be tight and secure.

       Runners or carpeting should be tacked securely.

       Check the condition of the walls. Paint or touch up if necessary.

       A staircase can be a focal point. Choose accents to improve visual appeal.

       If you have a wide, gracious staircase, emphasize this feature by hanging a few pictures along the wall. Draw attention to a handsome lighting fixture by polishing the brass and dusting each-small light bulb or crystal prisms.

Bedrooms Imagine for a moment that you're in the "bed-and-breakfast " business. How would you change your home's bedrooms to appeal to a paying lodger? Naturally, you'd make up the beds with your prettiest sheets and comforters. Maybe you'd add a vase of flowers on the dressing table or a cozy armchair in the corner. Every bedroom in your home should invite prospective buyers to settle right in.

       Paint the room a neutral color.

       Remove any oversized furniture.

       Minimize clutter to maximize spaciousness.

       A private bathroom off the master bedroom is a real sales plus. Decorate it to coordinate with the color scheme of your bedroom, creating a "suite" effect.

       Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with plenty of closet space.

       Arrange your closet so it appears ample and well planned.

       Remove and store all out of season clothing.

       Remove any items from the floor area. This will make a closet seem more spacious. Arrange all shelves to maximize the use of space.

       Make sure all articles in the closet smell fresh and clean. When prospective buyers open your closet door, they should be greeted with a whiff of fresh smelling air.

       Make sure all closet lights have adequate wattage and are operating.

       Take the time to explain the importance of marketing to your children.

       Encourage them to participate in preparing your home for showing.

       Consider giving them a special reward.

       Have children pack up items that are not in use.

       Remove unusual posters or wall hangings that may distract or offend a buyer.

Bathrooms Sellers should take special pains when preparing their bathrooms for showings. Prospects will inspect the bathrooms carefully, so be sure they are immaculate. Cleanliness is the key! Make sure that all surfaces are spotless.

       Replace worn or mildewed shower curtains.

       Clean and repair caulking

       Remove non-skid bath decals that are in poor condition

       Clear off countertops and store all personal care products out of sight

       Repair faucets that leak or do not function properly

       Clean and remove mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products

       Clean and organize cabinets and drawers. Don't forget the medicine cabinet

       To appeal to a wide range of buyers play down splashy colors with contrasting neutral colored towels and accessories. If your bathroom is mostly white or neutral, add a few cheerful accents of color. Use towels in the popular new shades.

       Scrub and shine the floor.

       Decorate and personalize to create a pleasing, individual look. Consider bringing out your best towels and perfumed guest soaps. Add a plant for color and freshness.

       A gentle hint of fragrance in the air is fine, just keep it subtle.

Garage

       Sweep and wash down the floor to remove dirt and stains.

       Organize tools, garden equipment and bicycles. A clean, organized garage appears larger.

       If the area is dark, add more light.

       If it is small and accommodates only one car, remove your car before buyers visit. An empty garage always looks larger.

       If you have a two-car garage with very little extra room, remove one of your cars so that buyers can make their inspection in comfort.

       Get rid of anything that you don't plan to move to your new home.

       Place remaining stored material neatly in boxes, and position away from walls.

Showtime

       Important Points to Remember When Showing Your Home!

       The more people who see your home, the more likely you are to sell it quickly.  Yes, it's inconvenient to show your home at dinnertime, but if the people buy your home, isn't it worth it?

       There shouldn't be any major housecleaning left to do at this point. The kinds of tasks you ought to be concerned with now are simple ones; making the beds, doing last night's dishes and some light picking up.

       Your children can participate by "cleaning" their rooms.

       If the season is appropriate, open the windows and let in some fresh air. Stale air isn't appealing, particularly in a home with smokers or pets.

       Turn on all the lights for each showing. Select the lighting effects you want for each room. No area of your home should be dark.

       Turn off the TV and turn on some light background music.

       Arrange for pets and children to out of sight. Young children and pets can distract buyers from their purpose.

       Don't try to "sell" the house with words! By this time you have prepared the house for sale; let it sell itself. Buyers buy on emotion; theirs, not yours! Keep emotions under control.

       "Depersonalize" the house as much as possible by taking down extra family pictures that are hanging on the walls or displayed on the shelves.

       Your personal items will often distract the buyers attention from what is most important ... the house! Buyers have a hard time imagining their furniture and mementos in your house when your personal effects are everywhere.

       Keep your thermostat set at a comfortable setting.

       Very importantly, whenever possible leave the home during showings

       If you cannot leave we recommend that you refrain from discussing the following types of information with real estate agents or buyers. Refer any questions they have to your own listing agent, Doug Schmitt.

o       Reason for selling

o       Motivation or urgency to sell

o       Willingness to consider an offer less than the listing price

o       Terms or conditions under which you would sell

o       Relocation timing, benefits of policies... if applicable

o       Any items of personal property you may be willing to include in the purchase price

o       Any confidential information that might be harmful to your ability to negotiate a favorable price later

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A Home Warranty

A leading member of the National Home Warranty Association states in writing that homes covered with their warranty at the time of listing:

o      Sell faster; on an average 38 days faster

o      Sell for more money; on an average 1.1% more money

o      Have a greater chance of selling; on an average they have a 29% greater chance

Other Warranty companies are making similar claims that range from selling 15% faster; to selling for 2-3% more money. Two warranty companies agree that their studies show homes covered with a warranty have a 29% to higher chances of selling.

Sellers, Buyers, Salespersons and Brokers agree that a Home Warranty reduces:

o      The Sellers liability after the sale and it protects them from unnecessary repairs during the listing period.

o      The Buyers exposure to huge repair bills during the first year

o      The Salespersons liability

o      The Brokers liability

The Home Warranty is a great way to make your home stand out and creates a preference in the eyes of the buyer. If you have a home that is competing with new home sales in the area the warranty could mean the difference between a sale and no sale.

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