Preparing your Home for Sale
With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to the perspective buyer. Remember that painting your home can ad 10% to your selling price as well as making it a lot easier to market your property.
| General Maintenance |
Curb Appeal |
| Oil squeaky doors |
Cut lawns |
| Tighten door knobs |
Trim shrubs |
| Replace burnt out lights |
Weed and edge gardens |
| Clean and repair windows |
Pick up any litter |
| Touch up chipped paint |
Clear walk & Driveway |
| Repair cracked plaster |
Repair gutters |
| Repair leaking taps & toilets |
Touch up exterior paint |
| Spic and Span |
The Buying Atmosphere |
| Shampoo Carpets |
Be absent during show days |
| Clean fridge & Stove |
Turn on all lights |
| Clean & Freshen Bathrooms |
Light fireplaces in winter |
| Open curtains in day time |
Play quiet background music |
| Keep pets outdoors |
The Spacious look |
| Clean & tidy entrance |
Clear the stairs and halls |
| Functional doorbell/intercom |
Store excess furniture |
| Polish door hardware |
Clear counters & stove |
| Make cupboards neat & tidy |
The presence of the buyer at a Show-Day
It is also imperative that the buyer feels at ease to walk through the house and ask questions and make comments where necessary. This cannot happen if the buyer is aware of the presence of the seller. In the same light some of the comments that will be made sometimes are harsh and not always what one wants to hear about your home, which in effect is the most precious possession you own, along with memories. This can sometimes lead to a feeling of having ones privacy invaded. We suggest that the seller leaves the selling of the property in the hands of the agent, who is trained to handle all sorts of comments and negative criticisms and respond to them in a positive and sometimes productive manner.
I hope this is helpful and informative. Remember as your agent, we always have your best interests at heart.
Janet Van Der Schyff