Must do’s when Selling Your Home

1. First Impressions are critically important in the selling process. Manicured lawns, trimmed trees & shrubs, snow shoveled, and all areas free of clutter welcome the prospective new owner. Simple steps like closing your garage door will dramatically affect the opinions of prospective buyers.

2. Competitive Pricing - Basing price on needs or emotion leads to over pricing. Buyers will suspect problems with your home when your price is later reduced.

3. A Tidy Home - Show your home in "pristine" condition. Paint, touchups, and clean ups can add charm. In the bedroom wake up the prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedroom with colourful bed sheets and fresh curtains. Removal of excess furniture will make your home a winner. Turn down or better yet, turn off your radio, TV, etc. Tidy up all storage spaces and closets. Keep them free of unwanted items. Bake a loaf of bread or cake, light candles or dab vanilla extract on light fixtures prior to a showing.

4. Cost Effective Upgrades - Bathrooms sell homes. Touch up the caulking, replace or repair chipped fixtures and for added allure, display your best shower curtains, towels and mats. Leaky faucet? Don’t let the little problems distract from what’s right with your home. Avoid sticking doors and drawers, this little effort can "smooth" the way to a sale. Consult your Realtor prior to major improvements for upgrades that will really add value. Many people will not buy a house if they need to replace the carpet, if it is in need of replacing - do so.

5. Remove Specialty Items - If you are planning to move specialty pieces like a chandelier, remove it before showing your home. At the very least, specify in your listing agreement that it is not included in the sale.

6. Experienced Agent - Realtors control the marketing of your house and give you the facts about market trends, buyer’s preferences, and what improvements need to be made in order to achieve top dollar. You, the homeowner, control all the key factors: price, location, and condition. Choose someone you can trust and with whom you can easily communicate.

7. Let buyers discover the home - Open up and let the sunshine in as well as maximum wattage bulbs on for all showings. Be out or go for a walk when the home is being shown. Keep pets outside, or out of the way; take them for a walk. If you are present, be friendly but don’t distract the buyer. Keep a low profile and remember that the Realtor knows the buyer best. Be flexible with showing times to ensure maximum exposure.

8. Your first offer - when it comes to offers, leave it to your Realtor. Respond to offers within a few hours. Remember that if the offer is lower than you are asking - it is one step closer to a sale than no sale at all.

9. Discuss the sale of furniture or other items after the sale of the house is under contract.

10. Know your rights and obligations - your Realtor should communicate this throughout the process.