First impressions are important. Most buyers are looking for a clean home in move in condition. With just a fresh coat of paint, scraping and polyurethane the wood floors, regrouting or cleaning the bathroom tiles, avoiding clutter in bedrooms, closets or hallways and mowing the lawn and trimming the shrubs you really will make a good first impression. Unless it's absolutely necessary for the sale (ex, roof repair or replaced) avoid overspending when preparing the home to be shown. The bottom line is you may spend more than you would recoup from the sale. While showing remember:
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To be sure to open the blinds, drapes and curtains to allow the sunshine to give a larger appearance to all of the rooms.
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To try to avoid having the family dog or cat under foot so as not to distract the buyers.
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To try to avoid having too many friends, neighbors or relatives at home. The buyer may feel uncomfortable about taking their time viewing your home. The buyer may feel that they are imposing on you and your guests.
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Create an atmosphere of serenity and peace in the home by turning off loud music or the television set. The buyer will feel more at ease when it's quiet in the house.
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Be a low key seller. Don't tag along with the real estate salesperson and don't force conversation with the buyers. The buyers are there to view your home not to socialize.
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Leave it to a professional. The real estate salesperson knows how to handle their customer. Let them talk to the customer about price, terms, possession date etc... they have the experience to handle the negotiations properly.
