| So....you are thinking of putting your house on the | | | | 5. De Personalize - Buyers are distracted by too |
| market - before you decide to list your house | | | | many personal items, such as family photos, |
| you should be aware of some pertinent factors | | | | trophies, awards or wall hangings; these items |
| that will determine how long your house stays on | | | | give a message that you don't want to give to |
| the market and more important, how much you | | | | the buyer - they say - someone lives here - and |
| will get for your house. When selling there are | | | | this makes it difficult for most buyers to feel |
| two factors over which you have no control - | | | | comfortable in your space, so pack away all your |
| your present location and the state of the | | | | personal items. |
| market; you do however have control over the | | | | 6. Dust, Sweep & Vacuum - Every item, |
| condition that your house is in; the asking price | | | | shelf, ledge, cupboard and mantel piece, check the |
| and that it is effectively staged. You should also | | | | corners of your rooms and ceilings for cob-webs. |
| be aware that 87% of savvy buyers shop the | | | | Dust bunnies, pet hair or droppings must be |
| internet and or drive by a property before they | | | | non-existent. |
| make an appointment to view. Here are 11 tips to | | | | 7. Front Doors - Your front door is a part of the |
| help you get a faster sale:- | | | | curb appeal, so include that with your sprucing, |
| 1. Curb appeal -The first impression every buyer | | | | make sure there are no cobwebs and that the |
| gets of your house is from the outside, meaning | | | | mat and letter box are in good condition. |
| its curb appeal or lack thereof. If the look of your | | | | 8. Flowers & Flower pots - It is better to |
| house from the outside is not appealing, most | | | | have nothing rather than have dried up or dead |
| buyers will drive on by. It is therefore imperative | | | | flowers in a pot. All Shrubs, plants and trees |
| to make a good first impression. | | | | should be pruned and tidy. Dried flowers should be |
| 2. Clean, Sparkling Clean -Your entire house from | | | | clear of dust and live flowers should be fully alive. |
| the curb to the back yard and everything | | | | 9. Furniture - Should represent or identify the |
| in-between should sparkle and smell fresh. Do not | | | | rooms they are in - too much is a bad as too |
| try to disguise or mask odors by using heavy air | | | | little, you need to have a good balance. All pieces |
| fresheners; remember there are many people | | | | should be in good repair and strategically placed. |
| who have allergies, also strong scents will have | | | | 10. Garages are for cars - Rent storage space; or |
| buyers wondering why you need to use such a | | | | use space from your family or friends to keep all |
| strong deodorizer. | | | | the stuff you have boxed. Yes, buyers do want |
| 3. Curtains/Drapes - These should be in good | | | | to see the garage space, and it should be as |
| repair, no rips, tears or stains, and the style | | | | clean, neat and tidy as the remainder of the |
| should not date your house. | | | | house. |
| 4. De-clutter- Take stock of your entire house, | | | | 11. Windows - like the rest of the house should be |
| from the curb to the back yard; pack away all | | | | sparkling clean, giving clear views of the scenery |
| the items that clutter your house. This is a difficult | | | | (if the scenery is not of the best, then close the |
| task as you have collected many pieces that you | | | | curtain, but be sure that the buyer will want to |
| find special and have grown to love. Clutter | | | | see though the window). All windows should be in |
| makes people uncomfortable, so pack away all | | | | good working condition. |
| excess stuff. | | | | |