At Home With Marlene         | Contact Marlene
graybar.jpg (1792 bytes) 
Getting Your Home Ready for Sale...

As a team, Marlene and the client's goal when putting your home on the market is to obtain the best possible price in the least amount of time AND with as little inconvenience to the client as possible.  To help achieve this goal, here are some checklists...

Owner's Checklist

Mechanical & Inventory Checklist

Staging Checklist

To put a home in top-showing condition, here are a few more suggestions...

q Tidy up the grounds -- porches  -- garage.  Keep the lawn trimmed and edged.  Make sure that your yard is clean of refuse and leaves, etc.
q Your front door gives a vital first impression while a Realtor and prospect wait for you to answer the bell.  Be sure it is scrubbed clean or painted if necessary.
q Dress up windows in freshly laundered curtains.

q If any decoration is needed (especially the kitchen and baths) do it now!  $100 worth of paint may balance $500 in price cut.  Bathrooms help sell homes.  Make these rooms sparkle.
q Keep all steps clear of hazards.
q Do not forget to have all light sockets filled with bulbs.  Illumination is like a welcome sign.  The potential buyers will feel glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection (or even on a gloomy day).
q Wash dishes, put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, etc.
q Make up beds with attractive spreads.
q Always leave when a prospective buyer is looking at your home.  The client may feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house if you are home.

q Leave showing to the salesperson.  It is his/her business to sell;  he/she can better lead up to basic reactions alone than with running conversation.
q The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can best emphasize the features of your home.  You will be called if needed.
q Don't discuss anything concerning the sale with customers.  Let the Realtor discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the customer.  He/she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

q Keep pets out of the way when showing.  (One type of prospect is annoyed - another's attention is diverted.)
q Never apologize for appearance.  It only accentuates or distracts.
q Never try to sell furniture to a customer before the deal is completed.

.

Information is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification.