Preparing Your Home For Showing

Show your home in its best possible light. We have your home for sale because you want to sell it. With little effort on your part, this can be accomplished more quickly and at a better price. Arouse the prospect's desire for your house by making it attractive. Here are 16 friendly, tested tips to help us show your home to its best advantage. Some of them may be applicable to you or your home. We find our efforts are most successful when the stage is well set.

Preparation for Showing
1. First impressions are lasting impressions. An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn trimmed and edged, the flower beds cultivated, and the yard free and clear of refuse. Remove snow and ice from the walks and porch stoop in wintertime.
2. Fix it! Dripping water discolors the enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing. Loose door knobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors and the like are noticed by the prospect.
3. The attic and basement are important features. Remove all unnecessary articles which have accumulated. Display the full value of your storage and utility spaces.
4. Avoid cluttered appearances. Show all your space to the best advantage. Allow for closet doors to be opened easily without displacing contents.
5. Let the kitchen sparkle, whether it's warm and cozy or shiny and modern.
6. Check and double check your bathrooms. Bright and clean bathrooms sell many homes.
7. Bedrooms are always outstanding features. Arrange them neatly.
8. Illumination is a welcome sign. For after-dark inspections, turn on your lights from the front porch on through. The prospect will feel a glowing warmth otherwise impossible to attain.

Showing the House
9. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The prospect will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
10. Music is mellow... but not when showing a house. Turn off the radio and television - they distract. Let the agent and the buyer talk, free of such disturbances.
11. Love me, love my dog does not apply in home selling. Keep pets out of the way - preferably out of the house.
12. Be courteous but do not force conversation with the prospect. He is there to inspect your house, not to pay a social call.
13. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let our agent answer any objections that are raised.
14. Please do not tag along with the agent and the prospect. The agent knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when alone. You will be called if needed.
15. Do not discuss price, terms, possession or other factors with the prospects. Refer them to us. We are better equipped to bring the negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
16. We ask that you show your home to prospective buyers only by appointment through The Petersons office. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will lead to a more prompt consummation of the sale.