Home Selling Hints

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING: The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Freshly painted flowers are attractive and inviting.

DECORATE FOR A QUICK SALE: Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to sell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.

LET THE SUNSHINE IN: Open draperies and curtains and let the prospects see how cheerful your home can be. Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE: Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Display the full value of your attic and other utility spaces by removing all unnecessary articles. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.

MAKE IT LOOK BIGGER: Neat well-ordered closets show that space is ample. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.

ARRANGE BEDROOMS NEATLY: Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.


When the Agent Shows the House...


CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

THREE'S A CROWD: Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

MUSIC IS MELLOW: But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesman and buyer talk, free of disturbances.

PETS UNDERFOOT? Keep them out of the way - preferably out of the house. Silence is golden. Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. They want to inspect your house, not pay a social call.

BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE: Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesman answer any questions. This is their job.

IN THE BACKGROUND: The salesman knows the buyers requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. You will be called if needed.

WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.

A WORD TO THE WISE: Let your Realtor discuss pricing terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He or she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

USE YOUR AGENT: Show your home to prospective customers by appointment through your agent. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help close the sale more quickly.