20 Steps to Help Sell Your Home

1. MAKE THE MOST OF THAT FIRST IMPRESSION
A recently mowed lawn, trimmed shrubs, and a clean clutter free entry welcomes prospects. So does a freshly painted or a recently scrubbed door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, make sure there is no ice on the sidewalk or steps. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home the better.

2. INVEST A FEW HOURS NOW, INCREASE YOUR PROCEEDS
Clean, clean, clean. Kitchens and bathrooms can never be too clean or uncluttered for sales prospects. Consider painting or having your house painted. Fresh paint in neutral colors pays off big. Prospects would rather see how great your home looks than hear how great it could look with a little work.

3. CHECK FAUCETS AND BULBS
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned-out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Fix the drips and replace bulbs. Remember bright and clean sells!

4. CHECK CABINETS AND CLOSETS
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in the prospect's mind. Don't try to explain sticky situations when they can be easily fixed. A little effort here can smooth the way towards a closing.

5. THINK SAFETY
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby-traps: roller skates on the stairs, frayed extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low-hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for visitors.

6. MAKE ROOM FOR SPACE
Remember potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They are looking for storage too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items. In every living area clutter is bad and less is more!

7. CONSIDER YOUR CLOSETS
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now is the time to box those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

8. MAKE YOUR BATHROOMS SPARKLE
Bathrooms sell homes so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, use your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

9. CREATE DREAM BEDROOMS
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedroom. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Clean ironed bedding and curtains are a must.

10. OPEN UP IN THE DAYTIME
Let the sun in. Pull back your curtains and open your blinds so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home really is. Be sure your windows are sparkling clean too.

11. LIGHTEN UP AT NIGHT
Turn on the excitement. Turn on all your lights, both inside and out, when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color, warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

12. AVOID CROWD SCENES
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they are likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.

13. WATCH YOUR PETS
Dogs and cats are great companions, but they are not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting in the way. Keep your dog or cat outside if you can, or at least out of the way. Also, be sure your home does not have any pet odor that could turn the buyer off.

14. THINK VOLUME
Rock 'n Roll will never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to lower the volume on the stereo or TV. Better yet turn off anything that could distract the prospect from your home.

15. RELAX
Be friendly, and don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distractions or interruptions.

16. DON'T APOLOGIZE
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory remark about your home, relax and let me handle the situation.

17. KEEP A LOW PROFILE
Nobody knows your home as well as you do, but I know buyers. The buyers will know what they need or what they want. I will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you let me do the talking.

18. DON'T TURN YOUR HOME INTO A SECOND-HAND STORE
When a prospect comes to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell your furnishings, cars, or boats. You may lose the biggest sale of all-your home.

19. DEFER TO EXPERIENCE
When prospects want to talk about price, terms, conditions, or other real estate matters, let them speak to the expert, me--your realtor. This is where a good agent does their job by putting highly effective negotiating techniques to use.

20. HELP DOUG
I will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through my office. You'll also appreciate the results. If a prospect contacts you directly, get their name and number and give it to me.