Flo Bahr
Working for you!

Showcasing Your Home

Let your home smile a welcome to buyers!

• First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is freshly painted and clean and your house key works easily. Keep your lawn trimmed and edged, and the flower beds free of weeds. Be sure that walkways, steps and entryway are clear and swept.

• Keep your home sparkling. Windows should be clean, beds made, clothes put away, toys picked up, mail and newspapers out of sight. Clutter makes a house look small and uninviting.

• Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. An investment in new paint and neutral carpet will most likely result in a quicker sale and a higher price.

• Let the sun shine in. Open draperies, blinds and curtains so that your home will be cheerful, light and bright.

• Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and tubs and suggests faulty plumbing.

• Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs and railings, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers detract from home value. Have them fixed.

• From top to bottom. Arrange your attic, garage, carport and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles and organizing your storage.

• Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearance and possible injury.

• Make closets look bigger. Neat, well ordered closets show that the space is ample.

• Bathrooms help sell homes. Replace or repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. Get rid of any mold from showers and tubs.

• Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly cleaned window coverings. Put valuables out of sight.

• Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. Turn on all your lights for an evening or dark day inspection.

• Three's a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

• Smells are important. When your home is going to be shown keep fresh flowers or potpourri in the house and make sure no pet or cigarette odors are present.

• Music is mellow. But not when showing a house. Turn off the radio or television. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances.

• Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way—preferably out of the house. Empty litter boxes daily.

• Silence is golden. Be courteous but don't try to entertain the potential buyer or tell about what you planned for the house. He or she wants to inspect your house—not to pay a social call.

• Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections.

• In the background. The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. You will be called if needed.

• Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he or she has purchased the house often loses a sale.

• A word to the wise. Let your salesperson discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyer. It is best to remain out of sight.

• As to the future. If you are asked why you are selling, tell the truth or say that your plans are indefinite at this time.

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Flo Bahr, Realtor (S)
FloB@Homes-Maui.com
1-808-874-0661
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