Preparing a home for show. .With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes Adv. 1. when the time comes - at the appropriate time; "we'll get to this question in due course" in due course, in due season, in due time, in good time to show it to a prospective buyer. General Maintenance Here's a quick checklist of things you can do to give your home that extra oomph. * Oil squeaky squeak·y adj. squeak·i·er, squeak·i·est 1. Characterized by squeaking tones: a squeaky voice. 2. Tending to squeak: squeaky shoes. doors * Tighten doorknobs * Replace burned-out lights * Clean and repair windows * Touch up chipped paint * Repair cracked plaster * Repair leaking taps and toilets Spic and Span Spic and Span brand of household cleaner. [Trademarks: Crowley Trade, 546] See : Cleanliness * Shampoo carpets * Clean washer, dryer, and tubs * Clean furnace * Clean fridge and stove * Clean and freshen fresh·en v. fresh·ened, fresh·en·ing, fresh·ens v.intr. 1. To become fresh, as in vigor or appearance: freshened up after the day's work. 2. bathrooms The Buying Atmosphere Create the right ambiance am·bi·ance also am·bi·ence n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment: "The noir ambience is dominated by low-key lighting . . . that will help prospective buyers fall in love with your property. * Turn on all lights * Light fireplace * Open drapes drape v. draped, drap·ing, drapes v.tr. 1. To cover, dress, or hang with or as if with cloth in loose folds: draped the coffin with a flag; a robe that draped her figure. in the day time * Play quiet background music * Keep pets outdoors Curb Appeal First impressions start with the outside of your home. Don't limit your tpouchups to the interior! * Cut lawns * Trim shrubs * Weed and edge gardens * Pick up any litter * Clear walk and driveway of leaves * Repair gutters and eaves * Touch up exterior paint * Clean and tidy entrance * Ensure doorbell functions * Polish door hardware The Spacious Look Your house can appear lager simply by maximizing available space. * Clear stairs and halls * Store excess furniture * Clear counters and stove * Make closets neat and tidy Show Your Home Well When your house is being shown, keep room draperies and shades open to let in light, and make rooms appear larger. Tag items not included in sale (i.e., water conditioner). Have your home well-lighted during showing. At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting in back if you have it. Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter. Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters. Keep any toys in the children's rooms. Bikes, wagons, and skateboards skateboards mini surfboard supported on roller-skate wheels; 1960s craze enjoyed renaissance. [Am. Hist.: Sann, 151–152] See : Fads should not be out front, but made as inconspicuous in·con·spic·u·ous adj. Not readily noticeable. in  con·spic as
possible. Keep stereo or TV turned way down. Take your family away if
your broker is holding an open house. Don't mention furniture or
furnishings you wish to dispose of To determine the fate of; to exercise the power of control over; to fix the condition, application, employment, etc. of; to direct or assign for a use.See also: Dispose unless asked. Such discussion can kill the sale. Keep pets outdoors when your house is being shown. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers. Be friendly and encourage people, to make themselves "at home." Remove and replace items not included in the sale of your house (i.e., Chandelier). Following these simple tips may provide the extra push you need to seal the deal. Bret Sparks is a freelance writer based in North Hollywood. |
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