Getting
the maximum exposure possible is a key part of any home sale. That’s
why it pays to sell your home with the help of a Realtor through the
Multiple Listing Service. The MLS
provides details of your home to all real estate professionals in
the area and markets the property to a broad range of potential buyers.
To
further maximize exposure, your Realtor may recommend you hold one
or two types of open houses as soon as the property goes on the market.
The first will be an open house for Realtors only. If your home is
attractive and well-priced, many of the Realtors at the open house
will make arrangements to bring clients to see your home immediately.
Your
Realtor may also recommend one or more open houses for the general
public. Although this type of open house tends to attract a lot of
"browsers," if your home is clean, attractive, well-priced and in
good repair, it could turn a "browser" into a buyer. Some purchasers
want to get the "feel" of several neighborhoods before they begin
working with a Realtor. Open houses will attract these potential buyers.
Most
open houses for the public are held on a weekend afternoon when potential
buyers often have more time to drive through neighborhoods. You will
have to work out dates with your Realtor that fit your schedule. If
you have pets, the Realtor may suggest you remove them from the home
during the open house, since their presence could be distracting.
Your
Realtor will likely recommend you and your family be away from the
home during the open house as well. If you remain home, prospective
buyers may feel compelled to rush their visit to avoid disturbing
you. You want them to feel relaxed and to take the time to really
see the features of your property.
Potential
buyers may also feel uncomfortable commenting on your home in your
presence. This hampers your Realtor’s ability to sell the home since
buyer feedback is essential in making any deal.
Your
Realtor will suggest ways to prepare your home for an open house to
make it a secure, enjoyable experience for everyone. Do ensure that
the Realtor asks for the name, address and telephone number of everyone
who attends. Your Realtor should also try to walk through the home
with each visitor.
Here
are some general tips to help you prepare for the big day:
- Attend
to any potential hazards — electrical wires crossing open areas,
sharp table or counter top corners, slippery stairs and walkways,
fragile items that can be easily damaged.
- Lock
away or remove valuables such as jewelry, cameras, compact discs,
coins and currency.
- Avoid
cooking food with strong odors such as fish. The scent of fresh-brewed
coffee, home-made bread and cookies can be very welcoming.
-
In poor weather, provide a place for overshoes, boots, umbrellas
and coats.
- A
warm fire on a cold day will make your home feel inviting and cozy.
But be sure your Realtor is prepared to look after the fireplace
while you’re not home.
A
tiny hand-print on a wall or the slightest door squeak can be quite
distracting to some potential buyers.
Use
this handy check list to assess what needs to be cleaned, repaired
or changed before opening your home to potential buyers:
Kitchen
and bathrooms
- Clean
all surfaces, including floors.
- Organize
countertops.
- Ensure
all sinks and faucets work properly.
Other
rooms
- Vacuum
and dust all areas thoroughly.
- Collect
and remove all clutter, including excess furniture.
- Neatly
store books, toys and clothes in closets and on shelves.
- Clean
all mirrors.
- Open
drapes and pull up blinds on windows.
Floor
coverings
Includes carpeting, tile, linoleum, hardwood,
etc.
- Remove
all dirt and stains.
- Repair
any damaged areas.
- If
there is hardwood under old carpeting, remove the carpeting and
restore the hardwood--a much desired feature in homes today.
Walls,
ceilings, baseboards
- Clean
any fingerprints or stains.
- Repair
any holes, cracks, chipped paint, ripped wallpaper, water damage.
- If
necessary, repaint in neutral or complimentary colors.
Doors
- Fix
squeaks and any other problems.
- Ensure
the handles secure and work properly.
- Clean
any stains.
Windows
- Clean
and repair any cracks.
- Ensure
they open easily.
Lighting
- Check
to see there is sufficient light.
- Attend
to any broken switches, exposed wiring.
Pet
areas
- These
should be clean, organized and odor free.
Outside
the home
- Ensure
all gates open easily.
- Clean
all exterior surfaces, including decks, pools, walkways and driveways
and make them tidy.
- Depending
on the time of year, lawns should be mowed, walkways and driveway
cleared of snow, leaves removed, trees pruned, gardens weeded, hedges
trimmed.
© 2008 RE/MAX International, Inc.
All rights reserved.
How
To Sell Your Home For Top Dollar
Allan
Todd - Realtor
Remax Professionals Inc., Brokerage
905-270-8840
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