Selling a Home

Showing Buyers Through…Setting the Scene

Once you make the decision to sell, it is critical that you view your property through the eyes of a prospective buyer. Remember your buyer will be comparing your home to all the others that they may look at. Buyers either emotionally connect to a home or emotionally disconnect with a home. Feelings are generated when they first see your home from the street, or first step inside. These first impressions are extremely powerful.

Taking advantage of “first impressions” can enhance the prospects of getting a great result. So do make some effort to get your property ready for “showing” and “selling”. Most of us don’t keep our homes in the condition it needs to be in to sell. Over the years we have become comfortable with our surroundings. The buyer’s current home will probably be in the same condition. But a buyer will change “hats” when they look at yours. The boxes we stacked in the corner have multiplied, a few things may have broken which we have not got around to fixing just yet and some things have just worn out.

It is important not to begin renovation work or spend large sums of money to spruce up your place. Rarely do you get back the money you spend if you go overboard. It is important to think that your place presents as it does because of the “sum” of all the little things. You cupboards can seem claustrophobic because of all the unused items you’ve stored. The welcome mat does get tired at the front door. The kitchen bench space really doesn’t need to house every appliance you are currently using. Once again do make an effort to look at the small things that give your place its current ambience. Your aim should be to enhance all the features you can.

Here is a list of 18 Questions to ask yourself in order to make the best first impressions.

1. Does the property or any part need painting?
2. Are the plants I keep enhancing the look of the property? 
3. What about the screens? ...are there any holes? ...and the windows do they open and shut properly? 
4. Does the carpet need re cleaning or replacing? 
5. Are the pets under control at all times? 
6. Are all the appliances in good working order? 
7. Is there a lace I can go to get out of the prospective buyers way? 
8. How does my place present from the street and the front door? 
9. What can I remove from the closets and cupboards to make them roomier? 
10. What better impression can I make when the buyer first steps into my home? 
11. Can I take some kitchen top appliances away to give a more spacious feel? 
12. Is there any furniture, lamps or tables I could elsewhere to give a roomier feel? 
13. Do any cabinets need to be touched up, refinished or get repaired? 
14. How do the door mats look? 
15. Is there a special item such as a wall unit or chandelier that I should remove so that the buyer won’t see it as part of the sale? 
16. Should I remove some of the family photos and memorabilia off the flat surfaces for the time being? 
17. Is the garage as need and tidy as they should be? 
18. Should I ask for further advice from the agent about things?

• Pick up unnecessary items from counters and floors such as newspapers, magazines, mail, toys ,clothing and shoes
• Turn on all the lights even in closets and storage areas 
• Open all curtains and drapes unless the view is offensive 
• Have all the beds made 
• Keep pets out of sight if possible 
• Eliminate distracting sounds 
• Use air fresheners in kitchens and toilets just in case 
• Have fresh attractive towels in kitchens and bathrooms