Preparing Your Home For Sale

You work with a Residential Specialist because he or she is best able to sell your home quickly and
profitably. But remember: Your relationship with your Residential Specialist is a partnership. While he or
she markets your property and screens potential buyers, it's up to you to give your home a simple,
inexpensive sprucing up that can go a long way toward a speedy sale.

With that in mind, here are some helpful hints gathered from Residential Specialists across the country.

Before the Showings Begin

First Impressions are Lasting Impressions. The exterior of your home often determines how buyers will
view the interior, so:

•Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting

•Paint or replace your front door is it's faded or worn

•Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other outside features showing signs of wear

•The lawn should be cut and the shrubs should be maintained

Beauty is More than Skin Deep
Buyers often see the surface condition of your home as a sign of what's underneath, so:

•Keep windows and floors clean

•Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas that have come away from the wall

•Repair worn woodwork

•Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color

•Steam clean carpeting or replace it if necessary

•Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken
light switches and other minor flaws

•Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers

Accentuate the Positive
Try to see your home with a fresh perspective and arrange each room to bring out its best attributes,
including:

•Open draperies and curtains to let the light in during the showing

•Remove all unnecessary clutter from your attic, basement and closets to better
display spacious rooms (consider storage or a garage sale to dispose of extraneous items)

•Arrange all your rooms neatly and remove excess furniture

•Keep fresh, clean towels in the bathroom

•Use candles or air fresheners to make the room smell pleasant

Put Your Home in the Best Light
Strategically lighting your home, even during daytime showings, can create a cozy mood and highlight
positive attributes of each room, so:

•Avoid the use of overhead lighting that makes rooms look washed out and lifeless

•Be creative and arrange lamps to help smaller rooms seem larger, and large rooms
seem more intimate

•Use lighting to highlight the "living areas" of your home, such as a pair of chairs near
a fireplace, or a table in a breakfast area

1.Put the spotlight on the strengths and potential of your home

2.Create the right mood and atmosphere given the room's function, color scheme, etc.

3.Accent the positive aspects and unique features of each area of your home

4.Define the space

5.Bring the room to life   

After the Showings Begin

Leave the Selling to the Professional. Buyers often feel uncomfortable in the presence of a homeowner,
so:

•Try not to be present during inspections

•If you are home, never apologize for the appearance of your house

•Only your Residential Specialist should discuss any objections and subjects like price,
terms,  possession and other factors with the buyers

Keep the Disturbance Down

Potential homebuyers have a lot to take in, so minimize distractions.

•Pipe in classical, jazz or soft rock music, but keep the volume low

•If possible, turn off the ringer on your phone during showings

•Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way - preferably out of the house

Create a Homey Atmosphere

A buyer tries to picture themselves and their family living in your home, so:

•Create a pleasant aroma by baking cookies or bread, or placing cornmeal in a pie plate in
a warm oven on the say of the showing

•Keep the heat or air conditioner at comfortable levels

•If you have a fireplace, light it during wintertime showings

Have Records Available

Even if a buyer doesn't study them, having records available can make it clear you are conscientious
and have nothing to hide

•Have copies of your gas, electric and water bill from the last 12 months available •Be ready
to show all improvement and repair bills

Security

Put all valuables away
Selling Tips
Real Estate Rockland County, New York