HELPFUL HINTS FOR PROPERTY SHOWING

SHOWMANSHIP HELPS SALESMANSHIP SELL HOMES

Here are 20 tips to help you and us show your home to its best advantage:

1. First impressions are lasting ones. An inviting exterior ensures inspections of the interior. Keep the lawn trimmed, the flower weeds cultivated, and the yard free and clear of refuse.
    
2. Decorate your home – a step towards a SALE. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce the desire to buy. Don’t tell a prospect how it will look – show them by redecorating first. A quicker sale at a higher price will be the result.
    
3. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Bright cheery windows and unmarred walls will assist your sale.
    
4. Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolours and calls attention to faulty plumbing.
    
5. Spend a day with the carpenter. Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet drawers, etc., are noticed by the prospect. Have them fixed.
    
6. From top to bottom, remove all unnecessary articles that have accumulated. Display the full value of your storage and utility space from basement to attic.
    
7. Step high, step low! Your prospect will do just that unless passageways are cleared of objects. Avoid cluttered appearances and possibly injuries.
    
8. Closet illusions: Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed will make your closet appear more adequate.
    
9. Dear to the heart is the kitchen. Colourful curtains in harmony with the floor and countertops is much more appealing.
    
10. Check and double check your bath. Bright and clean bathrooms sell many homes.
     
11. Bedrooms are outstanding features – arrange them neatly.
     
12. Can you see the light? Illumination is a WELCOME sign. For after dark inspections, turn on the lights from the front through the house. A prospect will feel a “glowing warmth”.
     
13. “Three’s a crowd.” Avoid being present during the showing. The prospect will feel like an intruder and hurry through.
     
14. Music is mellow, but don’t have any on during the showing of the house. Shut off the radio; it distracts. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances.
     
15. “Love me, love my dog” doesn’t always apply in house selling. Keep pets out of the way – preferably out of the house.
     
16. Putting the cart before the horse. Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the prospect before the purchase of the home often loses a sale. Proper timing is important.
     
17. A word to the wise – DO NOT DISCUSS price, terms, possession or other factors with any prospects. Refer them to us. We are better equipped to bring negotiations to a favourable conclusion with all due speed. We ask that you show your home to prospective customers only by appointment through our office. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will lead to a more prompt conclusion to the sale.

CURB APPEAL makes a good first impression

The front of the house is the first thing people notice. As the gateway to the rest of our home, it’s important to take the time to make sure it is in tip-top shape. Consider the following tips from The Home Depot to make sure that the first impression is a lasting one.

1. GET RID OF THE CLUTTER – it can be as easy as putting away unnecessary tools, taking in your mail or getting rid of old lawn signs. Consider purchasing an outdoor shed for added storage – The Home Depot carries multiple styles to suit any home.
2. MAKE IT SPARKLE ON THE OUTSIDE TOO – Don’t forget to clean the windows and gutters. Use a pressure washer to get rid of dirty siding or dingy decks. 
3. GREENSCAPE – a green healthy lawn always makes a good first impression, so make sure to maintain your landscape. Mow the lawn weekly. Trim the trees bi-weekly. Make a habit of regularly removing weeds between your concrete bricks and sidewalk stones.
4. PAINT IT UP – a fresh coat of paint can give a home’s exterior an instant update. Painting the garage, front door and window sills can make an aged home look brand new again. Try Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Satin Enamel Paint. It provides a protective shell against damage from sunlight moisture, stains, and dirt                                                             
5. DECORATE YOUR ENTRANCE – depending on your budget there are numerous ways to upgrade your front entrance. Installing a new door like the Providence Centre Arch Steel Entry Door found at the Home Depot provides a new look to the exterior of your home – its slim detailed centre window will make any home stand out. If a new door isn’t in your budget, consider replacing fixtures – introduce a new door knob, mail box and coordinating house numbers. 
    

-News Canada