Having Pride Of Ownership
Will Sell Your Property Quicker . . .

The most saleable properties are those that show pride of ownership, with attention given to every detail. If you are looking to sell your home in the near future, we hope this checklist will be of assistance. Even if you’re not planning to sell, it may be helpful as a checklist for spring cleaning or file away under “house papers” for future reference.
 

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  TEMPERATURE—Keep your home at a comfortable
 temperature. Air-conditioning is a must on warm
 days.

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  FRESH AIR—Keep air smelling fresh. Air freshener,
 candles or fresh flowers are nice, but don’t over-
 do it.

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  LIGHT—Have sufficient lighting. If it’s daytime, have
 draperies drawn open. In the evening, turn on the
 lights prior to showing. Light makes rooms look
 larger and more appealing.

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  MUSIC—Soft music can be nice, but loud radios,
 stereos, or television should be off during the buyers’
 inspection.

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  VALUABLES—Having valuable possessions displayed
 in your home is only inviting trouble. They’re best
 placed out of sign, or out of the home.

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  CLOSETS—Clothes hung properly; and if used
 for a  storage area, clean out. Of most buyers’
 requirements, closet space is high on their list.

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  LAUNDRY—Keep fresh towels and washcloths
 displayed. Laundry should be done often to keep
 laundry area clean and fresh.

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  EXCLUSIONS—Remove or replace items you do not
 intend to include in the sale. Sure enough, the one
 item that you wanted to take with you (such as a
 certain lighting fixture) is just the item the buyers
 want to include – causing a delay in the negotiation
 process.

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  TRASH REMOVAL—All trash and garbage
 should be removed from the home and garage.
 Open containers are unsightly as well as giving
 off odors.

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  PETS—Try to keep pets outside during a home
 inspection.

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  AGENTS—Turn your house over to the agent
 for showings. Trust their professional abilities.
 All showings should be scheduled and documented
 through the listing agent/office.

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  PEOPLE—While all prospective buyers must be
 accompanied through the home, family and guests
 should leave when possible to allow the agent to
 show the home without the buyer feeling hurried.
 Should  you be present during the showing, remain
 in the background. The agent should know your
 property and the needs of the prospective buyer
 and be able to answer any questions.

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  DON’T APOLOGIZE—Remember not to apologize
 for the appearance of your home. If you’ve done the
 best you can, buyers understand that they may be
 viewing the home at a time that may be inconvenient
 to you.

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  PICK UP EVERYWHERE—Keep clutter off counter tops,
 disregard old newspapers and magazines, remove
 excess furniture.