Staging Your Home to Sell...

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7. UTILITY BILLS: Have copies of the past twelve months' bills available, or at least a written summary of the amounts paid monthly for the period.

S. PETS: Get them out of the house or in a cage, if not off the property. Some people don't like dogs, and nobody likes muddy paw prints on a clean suit or dress. Cats can be just as objectionable to the person who doesn't like them, and invariably a cat will single out the cat-hater to use as a rubbing post.

9. MUSIC: Soft background music will help create a relaxed mood that prompts buyers to linger and enjoy, but it is better to have no music than loud music. Never have the television on when the house is being shown.

10. YOUR PRESENCE: Most buyers will not relax and closely inspect a home if the owners are present, so try to arrange to turn the home over to the Salesperson. If you must remain at home, refrain from talking unless questions are directed to you. All too often, a seller will jump in to point out some special feature, fearful that the salesperson might overlook it. But, please bear in mind that some of the most successful sales people will say little or nothing during showings, and for two reasons: First; they have made their selling points before entering the house; and second; they want the buyers to discover some things for themselves in order to build excitement. The Salesperson also knows the buyer’s temperament. So trust the Salesperson's professional judgment.

ONE FINAL NOTE: The legal principle of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is dead or dying. We are living in an age of consumer awareness, and it's hard to find a court that won't favor the buyer in a dispute. In fact, consumer groups and many government agencies are taking the posture that the seller has a positive obligation to disclose everything.

If you have a problem in your home, don't mask it. A common example is the homeowner who spray-paints a ceiling to cover water stains caused by a leaking roof. If you have a major problem that you don't intend to correct, disclose it! Sure, some people will be turned off by the, prospect of a major repair, but most buyers who otherwise like the home will be philosophical about a problem openly displayed. And usually, they will discount the price they offer by far less than the cost of the repair.

Please allow us to assist you in "staging" your home to sell, and let's put its "best foot forward"!