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

c

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

c

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

c

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.

c

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

c

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

c

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

c

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

c

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.

c

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

c

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

c

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.

c

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.

c

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.

c

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

 

 

 

 

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.