IT TAKES TWO TO MARKET YOUR PROPERTY EFFECTIVELY.......

Your REALTOR® AND YOU !!

As an agent starts the process of professionally marketing your real estate, they have determined through experience the necessity for you to have an understanding of the methods.  Because you have owned this property and are most familiar, you can assist  by  doing the following.  In this segment we are not suggesting that you do extensive remodeling.  We do recommend you do what is applicable to make your property desirable within your limitations.

(1) Getting Ready

1. First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be sure snow and ice are removed from walks and steps.

2. Just touching up. A coat of paint on faded or worn walls or places where the kids have touched too many times will help.

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

4. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. No mildew in tubs, tile, or on shower curtains.

5. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches, fixtures with no working bulbs and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.

6. From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark and dull basements by painting walls.

7. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.

8. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

9. Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-organized closets show that the space is ample.

(2) Just Before The Showing

1. Use the salesperson. They ask that you show your home to prospective customers only by appointments made through your Realtor®. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help them close the sale more quickly. It will also guard against the unexpected. Although the agent's office would like to always give you comfortable notice, we do not have total control of other real estate offices who belong to our Board of Realtors® and multiple listing system, thus they have access to show your property. Remember people look and "buy" on the spur of the moment. If you can accommodate, it could be to your ultimate benefit, if you cannot, simply tell the Realtor® who is working with your interest in mind.

2. Sounds like home. Turn the stereo on and play soft music or tune in a cable station that also plays music. These are familiar sounds to all of us that make the purchaser feel "at home". Avoid wild or aggressive music or other offensive noises.

3. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign, the potential buyer will feel glowing warmth when you turn on lights for day and night inspection. Porch lights or yard lamps say "come on in".

4. Let the sun shine in! Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms do not appeal. This may not apply to rooms where light may emphasize a negative.)

5. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way - preferably out of the house. Avoid having litter boxes where odor may be detected. Remove any dog elimination in pathways a purchaser might venture when inspecting an exterior.

(3) During The Showing

1. 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.

2. 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. This is his/her job.

3. 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. This is their job. If you're not leaving while we are showing your home please disappear. If we need you we will certainly find you.

4. Silence is golden. Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. They want to inspect your home, not pay a social call. When they talk to you, their not looking at the home.

5. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before they buy, often loses a sale. We usually avoid this completely until after closing when there is still plenty of time.

6. A word to the wise. Let your Realtor® discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the prospective buyer. They are eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

7. In conclusion, if you try to emphasize the pluses of your home or offer to leave extra items it causes confusion, and loss of control on the Realtors® part. They are doing part of a routine designed to produce an offer. Further it shows the buyer your anxious to sell and will automatically lower the price in his mind.

(4) The Showing

1. If you have left, the agent will normally draw draperies, turn off most lights, etc.

2. Although we cannot control all the agents and other offices in the Board of Realtors® we will make every attempt to acquire the thoughts of the agent and the prospect and keep you informed. Sometimes it takes awhile for a client to makeup his mind or for us to access the results, so please be patient.

3. If an agent does not show up for a scheduled appointment "please" inform the office immediately. Do allow for a little tardiness as they may be looking at another house and the agent cannot always count on the client to be punctual.

(5) When An Offer Arrives

When an offer on your property is written, we feel it's appropriate for us to remind you that agent representing you did not personally make you this offer but was obligated to present it to you.

At this critical time in the marketing of your real estate, the intention is to advise you with all the knowledge and expertise you hired them for originally. We ask only that you consider the advice with an open mind so together everyone can make wise decisions in your best interest.

It does not matter what the offer consists of but rather, is it truly a fair price for your property and are the other terms applicable to your situation. If they are not, it is important to rationally construct a strategy to bring the interested buyer to terms that will satisfy you and the buyer. This must be done with all the logic, experience, facts and expertise available and with as little emotion as possible.

With all the effort in producing any offer and the time lapsed in marketing your property it is prudent to consider all offers no matter how inadequately first perceived as having the potential to complete the sale of your property. After all, there was enough interest to write the offer you will be considering.

Keynote Realtors