Advice to Sellers
• Make the right improvements and receive the benefits! Many small, low-budget tasks can easily be done to improve a potential buyer’s “feelings†about your property. More space, more light, greater privacy, warmth, security and overall condition are the most common “feelings†potential buyers use
when deciding to buy.
• A small crack in the paint on a wall may seem minor, but to a potential buyer it could create what may be an unstated concern that your home is poorly maintained. By simply applying some plaster and touching up the paint, you have eliminated these potentially harmful negative feelings.
• Bring Old Floors Back to Life! Nothing turns buyers off faster than dull, dingy, dirty floors. Whether you have wood, tile or vinyl flooring, do what you can to make them shine again! Many companies specialize in cleaning and restoring, and many will give you a free estimate. Whether you choose to use a professional company or do-it-yourself, there are many products and services available to help. If you have carpeted floors, it is best to steam-clean or install new carpet. This may sound expensive but new carpeting can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home!
• Add Attractive Plants! Having plants in the house is not only healthy for you but can create an inviting, warm feeling. Many indoor plants are far less expensive than you might imagine. Attractive pots such as ceramic, brass and even many plastic ones will add a designer flair to your home. Hanging plants such as Boston ferns are inexpensive, easy to care for and would go great in your new home wherever you move.
• Clean Up that Bathroom! Bathrooms are one of the biggest selling points of properties these days. Fresh paint, decorative moldings, new/clean tile grout and new designer faucets and light fixtures are very successful in creating interest for new buyers.
• What is that Smell? Though people don’t like to admit it, everyone’s home has a certain smell to it. We just never notice it because we live in it day in, day out. Fresh scent devices, flowers or potpourri strategically placed throughout the home will be pleasant to the nose of any potential buyer. As a matter of fact, an old Realtor trick is to prepare coffee and bake cookies right before a showing or Open House!
• Paint your Front Door and Mailbox! The condition of your mailbox and front door creates the very important “curb appealâ€. A freshly painted mailbox and front door creates a positive feeling that carries through in their perception of the condition of the rest of your home.
• Read through these simple, low budget tips while viewing your home as though you
were a potential buyer!
1- Consider repainting any areas (interior and exterior) that are not clean or worn
2- Think about reseeding the lawn, adding mulch and trimming the trees
3- Make sure all windows are in working condition and if not, have them fixed
4- Check the condition of the window screens (holes, tears, etc) and fix if necessary
5- Replace or professionally clean the carpets
6- Make sure all appliances are in good working order
7- Always leave the property when potential buyers are coming to look at it
8- Be sure that the front of your property (landscaping, walkway, driveway etc) looks as good as it can
9- Make a great first impression when someone walks into your home by adding scents, turning on lights and opening blinds (this is extremely important to do for each showing!)
10- Always clean closets, organize and make them look roomier
11- Consider taking items off the kitchen countertop to make your kitchen look more spacious
12- Store or dispose of extra furniture to make rooms appear larger
13- Touch-up or refinish any kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, and always make sure that all is super clean
14- Give your Fortune Agent a list of things you like about your property and your neighborhood
15- Door mats are important… replace them with new & inviting neutral colors
16- Remove any ornate or fixed items that you plan to take with you (i.e. a special chandelier, sound system)
17- Ask us for a list of recommendations prepared specifically for helping you market your property?
18- Price and terms are always important in creating appeal and interest to potential buyers
19- Be aware of the other homes similar to yours also being offered for sale
20- Keep the garage and storage areas are as clean and neat as possible
21- Consult with us before spending needless time and money
