Do's & Don'ts for Sellers and Buyers!
In the late 1970's the sweeping "do-it-yourself" movement began to take hold in the area of home improvement. The large discount warehouses emerged and so did many options for homeowners. Ideas and products which could implement their ideas became almost unlimited. Today there is a vast amount of product availability from custom paint to selecting a kitchen sink and heading home to begin "the project."

One of the outgrowths of this positive self-achievement has been homeowners selling their properties on their own. The "FIZBO" movement was born, which rapidly led to fee-based quasi-realty businesses dedicated to the "How To's" of the homeowner selling their own real estate.

Likewise, there are buyers today who think they can get a better "deal" if they buy from a seller who does not have his/her property listed with a realtor.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, there are many risks inherent in doing it on your own; however, should you be resolved to proceed, we're here for you!

Your "MUST DO" CHECKLISTS to Maximize Profit!
HINTS & TIPS presented by Robert T. Lord

We've all heard of "Curb Appeal" in reference to homes, but what does it mean? In successfully promoting your property as the ideal choice to the buyer, this "initial impression" will either intrigue the buyer to look further at your property or drive away.

If curb appeal is lacking, you have already lost the momentum of a potential sale even if they come in, as their expectation is that what's on the inside probably looks as bad or worse at the outside! As your goal is to get as many potential buyers into your home to see its many wonderful features, do not let the lack of curb appeal drive them away!

Click on the following Checklists of "MUST DO's" to assure positive response from buyers.

INDEX

EXTERIOR
INTERIOR
TIPS on Showing Your Home
THE ART OF NEGOTIATING & Much More!

Need a few more pointers? Have a specific question you're wondering about? Let us know!

   
*Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
*Day Phone:
*Evening Phone:
*E-mail:
_When will you put your home up for sale?

_What services are you interested in?

*Required Fields

 

 

EXTERIOR

  • DO keep your lawn mowed & manicured with a debris-free sidewalk to compliment it. Put yourself on safety patrol for children's toys!

  • DO remove dead branches and debris from trees and shrubs. Let it be known that greenery thrives on your property.

  • DO repaint or replace your mailbox; placing a colorful wreath or bouquet of dried flowers on it creates eye appeal.

  • DO have colorful flowers & become a weed watcher!

  • DO make certain all of your exterior lighting is operative and all bulbs in working order.

  • DO have an immaculate front door (fresh paint if necessary). This is the buyers' entry to the home you want them to feel so good about they'll purchase it!

  • DO not allow flaking paint on exterior walls; loose or broken bricks and mortar must be replaced and/or repaired.

  • DO keep your roof in good condition!

  • DO make sure your screen doors and window screens are in good repair.

  • DO have your doorbell in working order.

  • DO replace missing house numbers and/or install alternative house number plaques.

  • DO buy a fresh new Welcome mat…make them feel they're glad to be there!

You've succeeded…your potential buyer has entered your home! Since you were a smart seller and you had that big garage sale before you started your home-selling project, your buyer will not have to wade through two of the 3 C's: CLUTTER and CHAOS!

The 3rd and most important C is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! We cannot over-emphasize the effect that a clean, clutter-free home has upon buyers.

Here's some interior "MUST DO's" which will set your home apart from the rest:


INTERIOR

  • DO have a fresh scent throughout. Be vigilant about this. Living areas which are not odor-free are not living areas which appeal to buyers. Do have carpet fresheners and potpourri on hand…and use them. Make sure the kitty litter is ALWAYS fresh.

  • DO have sparkling windows in and out with NO hand prints or smudges!

  • DO keep your kitchen spotless and counter tops uncluttered; enlist the entire family to make this task a success.

  • DO have clean walls throughout. If soap and water won't do it, paint!

  • DO have fragrant and spotless bathrooms with items neatly organized in cabinets & fresh soap available.

  • DO concentrate on neatly arranged closets. The more roomy the closet appears, the more a buyer considers that their items would "fit" there.

  • DO make certain that all storage areas (garage, attic & basement) are organized and tidy.

  • DO check that all lighting fixtures are clean and in working order.

  • DO arrange all rooms to display maximum floor space; let your goal be a feeling of spaciousness.

  • DO get any leaky faucets and pipes repaired; no water stains should be on any ceiling in any room.

  • DO eliminate any floor squeaks and door "rattles " or "squeaks."

  • DO steam-clean or shampoo carpets for optimum presentation.

  • DO make certain that any damaged tile, hardwood, and/or baseboards are repaired or replaced.

TIPS on Showing Your Home

  • DO attend Open Houses for presentation ideas. You can learn from what IS being done well, and pick up some tips of things NOT to do in your selling efforts.

  • DO have that garage sale we mentioned before to eliminate unnecessary household items prior to opening day & be diligent about allowing the feeling of lots of available space to impact your buyers. In the kitchen, create all the counter space possible to communicate spaciousness.

  • DO have guest book for names, addresses and comments for people attending the showing of your home.

  • DO bake cookies and have refreshments readily available. You'll be pleased at the response.

  • DO open ALL drapes and blinds to allow outside maximum light into your home.

  • DO have a duraflame log burning in the fireplace if outside weather is not hot and humid. Coziness is the key.

  • DO remove excessive photos and potentially offensive wall décor; however, have family photos placed strategically in the home.

  • DO be prepared to give up your favorite comfortable chair to a buyer who wishes to visit with you.

  • DO have warranties and manuals on appliances available.

  • DO have an itemized list of items to be excluded from the sale…only items you just can't live without.

  • DO have the last 12 months of utility bills available for review…in order.

  • DO not underestimate this item: Keep pets out of sight. Some people are allergic to animals and your buyers do not know your pet. This reduces anxiety for everyone.

  • DO have a fact sheet of your property and blank sales contracts.

  • DO avoid having an open house or showing your home on a Holiday or the day of a major sporting event.

  • DO create a feeling of peace and harmony. Eliminate Distractions. Turn off the television and if your children are not absolutely mild-mannered, permit them to visit a neighbor or a family member.

  • DO know you've done your best to prepare. Offer no apology for anything. Your will only draw attention to that for which you are apologizing.

  • DO remove keys, jewelry and other valuables from open view during showings…for your own peace of mind.

THE ART OF NEGOTIATING…& Much More!
The following suggestions are to be interpreted as Helpful Hints only…NOT the same advice that may or may not be given by a realty firm or real estate attorney. Please consult these sources for any specific technical questions you may have.

  • DO keep calm. By and large, Americans do not make good negotiators. We tend to personalize just about everything. Keep this firmly in mind and be prepared when a potential buyer tends to downgrade facets of your "Castle" which are very dear to you. They are only trying to get a "good" deal! Know this and put your emotions aside. Ask questions about their comments…without anger. You may find their attempt at intimidation will quickly disappear.

  • DO project who you are…a trustworthy seller. If someone notices something that you know is a problem, do not permit your credibility to be destroyed by "covering up" the obvious truth.

  • DO consider an approach which can eliminate anxiety and frustration…an incentive to those buyers who submit a Pre-qualification Letter! Never consider that you have a buyer until they are Pre-qualified!

  • DO have your list of comparable sales on hand when the issue of value comes up. This is also a client courtesy which we are pleased to help you with! Be prepared to explain that this is how you arrived at your selling price.

  • DO show appreciation for every offer you receive. You may regret not being friendly to an individual whom you initially dismissed as a "shopper." Many potential buyers never indicate to a seller how they feel about a property until they have privately discussed their feelings about your home with family members.

  • DO be prepared to "come down" on your price for valid reasons, such as big ticket items which you know require attention.

  • DO be receptive if a potential buyer wishes to have the property inspected by a Home Inspector…at their expense. When this occurs, you very well may have a serious buyer!

  • DO be practical. Holding out for "just the right offer" may cost you in the long run, especially if you have already made an offer on another property. Here's some examples of possibilities:

    • Is your current mortgage assumable and below the prevailing market interest rates of today? You may be able to sell for a higher price tag!

    • Are you willing to carry a 2nd mortgage on the property with your buyer?

    • Would you consider leasing with an option to buy?

    • A seller paying a buyer's closing costs can work for buyer and seller!

    Selling your own home oftentimes takes a tremendous emotional toll on homeowners. You will know when it becomes too much and need to list it with a realtor. Likewise, buying a FIZBO home can be a real challenge! Let us know how we can help!

 

  • Click the Lighthouse at top left to return HOME at any time

Serving the Great Mid-South Region
Offices: (901) 388-1588 - Toll-Free: (888) 580-1588
Fax: (901) 388-6202
E-MAIL: info@1stopmortgage.net


All Contents © 2002 1 STOP Mortgage & 1stopmortgage.net.
All Rights Reserved. Trade/service marks are the property of 1 STOP Mortgage
and 1stopmortgage.net and/or its subsidiaries or assigns.

Disclaimer/Legal Notice
Privacy Policy
Site Designed & Powered by e-trafficers.com