20 Steps to Selling Your Home

1. First impressions count! You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so look at your home’s exterior with a critical eye. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch look inviting to potential buyers. If it is autumn, rake the leaves. If it is winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer the obstacles between potential buyers and the front door, the better.

2. Start with a clean slate. Once potential buyers open the door, they should see a tidy home, not one that will make them uncomfortable. Invest your time in cleaning the living room, the bathroom and the kitchen. Potential buyers would rather see how great you home really Looks than hear how great it could look, “with a little work.

3. Do not leave your potential buyers in the dark. Burned out bulbs can leave buyers in the dark. Replace them immediately. Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sink and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Fix it fast. Do not let little problems detract from what is right with your home.

4. Do not shut out a sale. If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, they will also stick in a buyer’s mind. Do not try to explain away a sticky situation when you can easily plane it away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

5. A safety net for your home. Homeonwners learn to live with booby traps: skateboards in the entryway, overloaded extension cords and slippery throw rugs. Make sure your residence is safe for potential buyers and visitors.

6. A place for everything. Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They are looking for plenty of storage space. Make sure your attic, basement, garage and closets are tidy and free of clutter. Now is the perfect time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

7. The heart of the home. Make sure your kitchen is immaculate. Keep the range clean. Wipe down the refrigerator. Wash and put away dishes. Prior to a showing or open house, bake a loaf of bread or a pie for a wonderful, inviting aroma.

8.  Make your bathrooms shine. Bathrooms sell homes too, so let them shine. Check and repair any damanged or unsightly caulking around tubs, showers and sinks. For more allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains. Purchase a plug-in scent diffuser.

9.  Create sweet dreams in the bedrooms. A dream house starts with a dream bedroom. Make yours appealing. Neutral bedding and fresh window treatments are a must. Layer beds with a few toss pillows and a seasonal throw. Create a retreat atmosphere.

10. Peel back those blinds. Let the sun shine in! Pull open your curtains, drapes or blinds so potential buyers can see how bright and cheery your home really is. The more the light, the better the atmosphere.

11. Lighten up at night. The turning point could be turning on all your lights – both interior  and exterior – when showing your home in the evening. Lighting adds color and warmth, and makes potential buyers feel welcome.

12. Avoid big crowd scenes. Potential buyers often fell like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they rush through. Leave when possible, or keep company present to a minimum.

13. Pets may pose a concern. We all know that dogs and cats are great companions, but you are showing your home, they may get underfoot. Keep them outside, at a neighbor’s house or in their kennel.

14. Volume discounts matter. Rock-and-roll will never die…but it might just kill a real estate transaction. When it is time to show your home, it is time to turn the stereo or television down or off. However, keep in mind playing soft music creates a relaxed atmosphere.

15. Relax, but do not distract. If you are at home during a showing, be friendly, but do not try to force conversation. Potential buyers want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

16. Be it ever so humble… No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. And if a potential buyer volunteers a derogatory comment about your home’s appearance or condition, let your experienced ERA Real Estate professional handle the situation.

17. Keep a low profile. No one knows your home as well as you do. But ERA sales associates know buyers – what they need and what they want. Your ERA sales associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

18. Do not turn your home sale into a garage sale. When potential buyers come to view your home, do not distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

19. Defer to experience. When potential buyers want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert – your ERA sales associate.

20. Help your sales associate and you will help your home sell fast. Your ERA sales associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the office. Ad you will appreciate the results – a SOLD sign!