May 2, 2007
For Sale By Owner: Preparing Your Home For Viewing
When a homeowner chooses to go the ‘for sale by owner’ route, they are assuming the job of a real estate agent. There are many details to consider including preparing their home for viewing. For sale by owner real estate is quite popular since people in the market for a new home hope to get a better deal when a homeowner sells privately. Although an individual chooses to use this option for selling their home, people are still seeking professional quality. For this reason a homeowner hoping for a sale must take every step to insure prospective buyers are impressed when they visit.
Naturally the first impression of any for sale by owner real estate would be the exterior. Many people are going to drive past the property for sale and likely will take notice of the for sale sign on the front lawn. Any individual, being human, will be curious and no doubt scan the outside of the house. A quick glance is all they may have but it should be enough to entice potential buyers to visit. It is imperative to keep the exterior of property that is for sale by owner in tip-top shape. Curb appeal is very important when trying to sell a house. Making sure the grass is mowed, the trees are trimmed and the drive is free of clutter will make the property more attractive. If the house needs painting or touch-ups, it is a good idea to ensure these are completed before the sign goes on the lawn.
Many television decorating shows tell us that the entrance to any home is extremely important. When walking into a for sale by owner home, potential buyers do not wish to be tripping over shoes and unnecessary articles. Getting rid of any clutter in the entrance should be at the top of the homeowner’s list. When a person steps in the foyer, they’ll immediately look up and down. If the entrance needs fixing up before the actual viewings begin, it is essential to take care of them. A fresh coat of paint would certainly add to the entrance, making bright, clean and smelling fresh. Trim is a detail which adds to the look of a home. Perhaps it would be wise to replace or touch up the existing trim. A nice mat or area rug would make the foyer appear cozier and welcoming.
Once the potential buyer gets past the entrance, they will be interested in viewing every crook and cranny in the for sale by owner home. For this reason it is in the homeowner’s best interest to insure that everything appears magnificent. Before the viewings start the floors should be cleaned; rugs and carpets shampooed, vinyl and hardwood cleaned and waxed. Furniture should be arranged to make each room seem spacious and bright and taking special care to draw attention to the room’s best features. Light fixtures should be cleaned and windows and glass should be spotless. Appliances ought to be looking brand new. A homeowner that’s serious about their for sale by owner property should probably put a fresh coat of neutral paint throughout the interior of the home, including a coat of fresh white ceiling paint. Clutter is a big problem in many homes. Before prospective buyers drop by, be sure to rid the house of unnecessary items that may interfere with the viewing.
Once all of the basics are covered in preparing your home for viewing, the finishing touches on your for sale by owner home might include, a few mildly scented candles burning in the background. Perhaps some soft music would also add to the viewer’s experience. When preparing a for sale by owner home for viewing, it is imperative to go the extra mile to make sure that one of the prospective buyers will become the future owner.
Check the following link for a How to for sale by owner guide.
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