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Check
major appliances. Drain a pail of water
from the heater to remove rust particles and change the filter
on the furnace. A little oil corrects noisy attic or
appliance fans. Be sure to clean the exterior of the water
heater, furnace and other appliances that will be seen by
prospective buyers.
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Your
front door welcomes the prospect, so always
make sure that it is clean and even painted if needed. A
seasonal door decoration adds a warm, inviting touch.
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Decorating
helps assure top dollar and a quick
sale. Dirty carpets, faded walls, and worn, scratched
woodwork reduce appeal.
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Clean
windows show the bright side of your home.
By opening draperies and curtains you highlight your walls and
ceilings, letting the prospective buyers see how cheerful your
home can be.
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A
clean kitchen is a must. Many buyers
judge the Housekeeping by the oven and stove. Use your
favorite cleaner until the oven shines. Clean the interior
of your dishwasher, removing stains, especially from the
door. Clean out your kitchen cabinets and pack away items
not needed. Counter tops should be clean and free of
clutter. Baking soda is good for removing stains on
Formica and it will not mar the finish.
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Sparkling
bathrooms help sell your home, so repair
caulking in bathtubs and showers. Shower doors, ceramic
tile and grouting should be cleaned and free of soap film.
Fixtures should be polished and free of watermarks. If
there's a window in your bathroom, open it and let the fresh air
in.
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Avoid
clutter appearances, by removing excess
furniture and other items that you seldom use. Keep
newspapers, toys, and other articles picked up. Clear
stairways are essential. Objects on any stairs are
dangerous.
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Make
closets look larger, by removing or packing
items that can be stored elsewhere. Neat, well-organized
closets show that there is ample space.
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From
top to bottom, display the full value of your
basement, garage and other utility space by removing all
unnecessary articles. Dark, dull walls are easily
brightened with a coat of paint. If the basement or crawl space
has a damp smell, place a bag of lime in the damp area.
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"You
never get a second chance to make a good first impression."
Start when your lawn-the first thing that prospective buyers
see. Fertilize if needed, and always keep your lawn
trimmed and edged. During winter, keep snow and ice
removed from sidewalks and steps.
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Repairs
are required, if closet doors are off their
tracks, door knobs are loose, screen doors don't close, faucets
are dripping or floor or ceiling moldings are cracked.
Minor flaws in your house suggest neglect to the prospect.
Have them fixed so we can get top dollar for your house.
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Many
introductions are distracting. Have as
few people as possible in the house when it is shown. This
puts the prospective buyers at ease and gives him/her a chance
to absorb the advantages of your property. Most people
like dogs, but they are a distraction. If you have a pet
we suggest you keep it out of the way, preferably out of the
house.
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Let
your Mark Peters Realty Associate talk.
Be polite, but do not strike up conversation with the
prospective buyer. Your associate has already given
details on your property and needs all the attention of the
buyers to increase his/her interest. Do not get involved
in a discussion with the prospective buyer about a room
arrangement or some other point about your property. Your
Mark Peters Realty associate can easily overcome objections.
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Night
appointments. Remember to turn on the
porch light and other outside lights that highlight your
property when showing the house after dark. Also have the
house well lit throughout when the appointment is during the
day-it keeps the house looking bright, cheery & fresh.
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First
sell the house. Do not try to sell the
customer any furniture, rugs, or drapes in the house at this
time. This complicates the sale and detracts from the
interest created in your house. If a carpet or any other
furnishings are desired by the buyers, it will be mentioned in
the purchase offer.
