First Impressions:

"You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression."

This statement is never more true then the moment a prospective buyer arrives at your property.

Every detail leaves an indelible mark on the buyer's psyche, and buyers buy on emotion.

Their first impression of your house is critical to their buying decision.

• You are trying to create a powerful first impression for the buyer

• One that invites them to buy

The yard, the driveway, the windows and the exterior must sparkle.

Buyers look for reasons to eliminate the property from consideration.

They look for reasons to discount your asking price.

By making your property sparkle, you hope to stop the buyer's discount clock from ticking. Add Sparkle - Sparkle Sells

You want the buyer to add up the benefits of buying your property. You want them to want yours rather than the one down the street.

Consider:

• Replacing Appliances

• Carpet

• Fresh Paint

• Windows Professionally Cleaned

• Landscaping

• Garage Floor Cleaned or Resurfaced

There are many things you can do to make the property more presentable and desirable.

Stuff to do to make it sparkle:

Mirrors make small areas seem large. Use mirrors extensively. Call

a local glass company for pricing.

House Numbers. Get new large house numbers. Be sure they are visible from the street.

Odors - Quit smoking indoors while your property is on the market. Many

buyers are allergic to smoke. You might lose a willing and able buyer if they detect smoke odors.

Pet odors - Use a mild constant flow deodorizer. Keep litter boxes, bird cages, and kennels clean.

Entry - Consider installing mirrors or recessed lighting. Consider a skylight.

Stuff - Collections, walls lined with photos, overstuffed chairs etc. are

disadvantageous to showing the property. Rent a storage unit,

remove clutter. Clean off kitchen counter tops and put away

small appliances.

Fill nail holes with putty or toothpaste.

Children Toys must be picked up. Keep all rooms clear of clutter.

Thin out clothes and shoes. Clutter creates a fear that there is not

enough space.

Consider having a yard sale. You might even find a buyer at the

sale.

Arrange furniture in a manner that keeps walking areas clear. Think open space.

Be sure your home owners insurance covers mishaps to visitors

Guns and Jewelry should be in a safe deposit box or other safe place while on the market.

Pets must be kept out of the way while showing the property. Birds

must be in cages.

Repairs:

Make a list of all things that need:

• Repair

• Replacement

• Cleaning

• Removal

Every property has items that need repair. Get rid of these psychic sappers. You may have learned to live with them, but the buyer hasn't.

Grab a notepad and start a thorough inspection of your property.

List everything that needs repair or replacement.

With your repair item check list in hand, begin your inspection:

• Start at the driveway

• Look critically at the front yard

• Are the sprinklers working?

• Does the lawn look good?

• Is it mowed?

• Does the driveway have oil spots?

• You get the idea.

• Now start with the roof

• How are the gutters and down spouts?

• Go inside the property and complete the same careful inspection

• Include minor and major repairs

• Look at the property as if you were the buyer

• Be meticulous. Remember buyers are looking for ways to discount your asking price

Make notes of everything that needs repair. Estimate the cost - Check off items as you complete each repair.

It is a good idea to save repair receipts to show the buyer.

Repair Item Check List

Leaky faucets

Grease spots driveway and garage

Worn siding

Carpet (clean or replace)

Windows clean with ammonia and water

Replace cracked window panes

Fresh flowers in window boxes and planters

Replace torn screens and clean existing

screens

Replace front screen with a decorator door

Clean yard (mow and get rid of weeds)

Haul away ALL junk and debris

Repair roof (flashings, gutters, and down

spouts)

New roof (provide buyer with a roofing

warranty)

Old appliances cleaned with undiluted bleach

Old tubs treated with a new porcelain coat

Clean mildew from grout or re-caulk

Buy a new shower curtain

Service heating and air conditioning system

Paint exterior or give a power pressure bath

Paint interior (off white)

Paint or replace mail box

Bold wallpaper/drapes make room look small

Complete all repairs. If money is in short supply, consider:

• A quick cash loan of a few hundred dollars

• A equity loan if repairs are a major expense

It will be worth borrowing from your equity, as it will allow you to get top dollar for the property.

Leave nothing for the buyer to use to discount your asking price.

Completing needed repairs will get you Top Dollar.

In my years of selling houses, it’s been proven over and over that if a house is immaculate and if there is nothing to repair, the buyer will be reticent to offer less than your asking price.

Conversely, if there are a lot of little things that need repair, the buyer will use those items to justify offering less money.

The condition of the property not only determines whether a buyer will buy. It determines the price they will pay.

Completed repairs equals a good return on your investment.

Making repairs will stop the buyer's discount clock from ticking. The buyer will add up benefits of buying your perfect property.

Buyers don’t want to make repairs; they don’t want to spend money on leaky faucets and torn screens. They would rather buy new furniture.

Let the buyer see value everywhere. Make them want to buy your property. It’s Simple:

Before You Put The Sign In The Yard - Either Complete Repairs Or Discount Your Price

Help your buyer.

Lenders will prepare loan information flyers that include several

financing options. Interview at least two lenders. Ask about alternative methods of financing. Ask them to prepare information flyers.

You may discover financial alternatives for yourself when you interview lenders:

• You might decide to refinance your present loan.

• You might decide to get a swing loan.

• You might decide to get an Equity Loan to provide money for repairs.

Ask the lender to pre-qualify your buyer. Do Not Enter A Contract With Any Buyer Unless They Have Been Pre-Qualified

Buyer Pre-Qualifying cannot be over emphasized. I’ve seen sellers:

• Accept a contract

• Take their property off the market

• Only to find out thirty days later, the buyer can’t qualify

• This is emotionally and financially devastating.

Homes That Sell Quickly:

• Look Great

• Are Priced Right

• Are Easy To Show

• Have Flexible Terms

• Sparkle

Copyright© Wee Dilts 2009