More $ For Your Home

Helpful Tips That Can Bring More $ For Your Home

With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and rate a better price. Here are 14 tips that have proven to be invaluable to home owners and are worth your special attention:

1. First impressions are lasting

•	An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior.
•	Maintain a well trimmed lawn and shrubs.
•	Keep snow and ice removed from steps, sidewalks and driveway.
•	The front entrance and door welcome the potential buyer.
•	Clean, and even paint, if necessary. A seasonal door decoration adds a warm, inviting touch.

2. Decorate your home

•	An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior.
•	Maintain a well trimmed lawn and shrubs.
•	Keep snow and ice removed from steps, sidewalks and driveway.
•	The front entrance and door welcome the potential buyer.
•	Clean, and even paint, if necessary. A seasonal door decoration adds a warm, inviting touch.
•	Faded walls, worn woodwork, linoleum and carpets reduce appeal.
•	Some fresh "neutral" colored paint, a little liquid cleaner and, if warranted, replacing of floor covering works wonders to spur top dollar and a quick sale.

3. Show off the bright side

•	Highlight your rooms by opening the shades, draperies and curtains.
•	During the evening turn on lights, from the front porch through the house; the buyer will feel a glowing warmth, otherwise impossible to obtain.

4. A few extras

•	For a pleasant aroma burn a scented candle or heat some cinnamon and water in the oven
•	If you have a fireplace use it in the winter when your home is being shown and burn cedar wood, if possible

5. Allow your home to gleam

•	A clean home shows you care. Kitchens and bathrooms are especially important.
•	A clean stove, oven and appliances are a must
•	Counter tops should be clean and free of all clutter to create spaciousness
•	Repair caulk and grout in the bathtub and showers

6. From bottom to top

•	The attic and basement are important features
•	Remove all unnecessary articles which have accumulated
•	Display the full value of your utility and storage spaces
•	Drain a pail of water from the heater to remove rust particles and change the filter on the furnace
•	A little oil corrects noisy attic or appliance fans
•	Be sure to clean the exterior of the water heater, furnace and other appliances that will be seen by prospective buyers

7. Closet and cabinet appearances

•	Remove excess furniture and other unnecessary items
•	Keep newspapers, toys and other articles picked-up

8. Avoid cluttered appearances

•	Remove excess furniture and other unnecessary items.

9. A day with the handy man

•	Dripping faucets, missing roof shingles, loose door knobs, sticking windows and drawers creaky floor, doors that don't close properly and the like are noticed by the potential buyer and suggest neglect.
•	Avoid unnecessary objections by fixing them now.

10. Three's a crowd

•	Stay in one part of the house or outside.
•	Too many people present during an inspection may make the potential buyer feel like an intruder, making it difficult for the agent and buyer to be at ease.
•	Allow the sales agent to emphasize the virtues of you home and talk freely with the buyer about their needs and desires.

11. Unnecessary distractions

•	It is better to keep pets out of the house.
•	Buyers may be nervous around a strange animal.
•	Turn the TV off and the radio on with soft, mellow background music.

12. Silence is golden

•	Be courteous, but do not initiate a conversation with the potential buyer. They are there to inspect your house; not to pay a social call.
•	If asked a question, respond honestly, but diplomatically, and refer questions to your listing representative.
•	Avoid discussing price, terms, possession, and personal property with the potential buyer.
•	Your Boraie listing representative is trained and experienced to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

13. Why put the cart before the house

•	Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses the sale.

14. Use your representative

•	If someone without a sales representative asks to see your home, explain that it's not ready for showing at the moment.
•	Take their name and telephone number, inform them that you will put them in touch with your sales representative.
•	Your safety will be guarded and your agent can qualify their interests.

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