Getting Started

Preparing Your House

Making a great first impression is one of the most important aspects of selling your home. A property that is not clean or well-maintained is a red flag for potential buyers. To them, a poorly cared-for home may be an indication that there are hidden defects which could result in an increased cost of ownership. For many buyers, the thought of having to spend more money on a home after they purchase it will deter them from wanting to buy it. ​

Painting your walls may be the best interior improvement you can make. For broader appeal, paint in neutral colors such as beige, or off-white. You may personally like a bit of personality in a home, but having black or zebra striped walls may put off potential buyers.

It’s equally important to make sure that your mechanical systems are working well and have been recently serviced. Fix any leaks that you may have been ignoring in faucets, shower heads or basement pipes. Check to make sure that the electrical outlets are properly grounded and covered, and that the kitchen and bathrooms have GFCI breakers.

Showings

Once your home is fixed up, de-cluttered, and clean, it's ready to show to prospective buyers. Typically, we will bring the house on the market by showing the home to other realtors on a Wednesday night. Then we hold the public open house over the weekend. After your open house, we may bring in prospective buyers for private showings. Here's  what you need to know about your role in showings:

• During an open house and private showings, we often ask people to remove as many personal effects as possible, even the bare essentials that you use on a daily basis. If your kitchen dishes are on the drying rack next to the sink, put them away and hide the dish rack. If you have pets, please take pet bowls off the floor to prevent them from being kicked or spilled. This short-term inconvenience is worth it in the long run!
• Pleasant smells are welcoming, and fish odors are not. To help eliminate odors, don’t cook with a lot of spices the night before an open house or showings. You can also keep your home smelling fresh by burning lightly scented candles, boiling a pot of cinnamon sticks, or putting a dab of vanilla on cold light bulbs before turning them on.
• At the time of an open house, or during any private showings, please leave the house — and take your pets with you! You want potential buyers to feel as comfortable as possible and to view the property without the pressure of being interviewed or followed. If you are worried about anything getting stolen, such as expensive personal possessions or medications, don’t leave them in the house, or hide them well.
• For an open house, which is usually for an hour or two on a weekend afternoon (between 12-3 pm), make sure the home is filled with light: Open all the shades and pull back your curtains so prospective buyers can see how bright your home is. Also, turn on all the lights in your house during any open houses and showings – light adds warmth and helps make potential buyers feel welcome.

Private showings are often conducted during business hours and in early evenings (until 7 pm or so). If there are days/times that don’t work well you, we will work around your schedule. They usually last around 30 minutes, and  again, please vacate the house and take your pets!