What the buyer must see when he tours your home.

** What The Buyer MUST See When He Walks In The Door! **

Preparing your property! Time to spit and polish...

1. Exterior:
The outside is the first thing that the buyer sees. Keep it neat and clean.
The front door and mailbox should be painted and decorated.
Lawn and shrubs should be trimmed.
In winter, remove snow and ice from walks and driveway.
Remove any clutter, toys, or tools from the yard.
Clean the windows. Fix broken screens or gutters.

2. Interior:
Make the home look inviting.
Clean carpets. If possible, replace soiled carpet and torn wallpaper.
Neutralize any pet odors and hide litter boxes.
Repair cracked plaster.
Fix leaking faucets and toilets.
Make sure all light bulbs and switches work.
Polish hardware, dust furniture.
Make the beds.
Clean the fireplace and fill with logs. In the winter, have a fire burning if possible. The "instant" logs work well.
Keep closets clean and uncluttered. You want them to look adequate for the buyer's storage needs. Put what you don't need neatly in the attic.

3. Windows:
Buyers get the idea of a well cared for home if your windows sparkle and curtains are clean.

4. Basement:
Cluttered basements retain dampness and smells, causing the buyer to think there are water problems even if there are none. Where there is a water problem, don't attempt to cover it up with paint. It won't stick, and a buer will think that the peeling paint is just hiding a bigger problem than may really exist.

5. Stairways:
Keep these clear! Objects on stairs and missing railings invite falls and make you look megligent.

6. Kitchen and Bathrooms:
These should sparkle! Keep counters clear, sinks clean, mirrors, showers, and tubs shining.

7. Light:
Brightness makes rooms look larger. Keep curtains open or lights on, especially in the basement.

8. Pets:
Keep pets out of the house or in a cage. Both the buyers and the pets can be frightened by meeting each other unexpectedly!

9. Television and stereo:
Background noise can distract buyers. Keep them turned off.

10. Potpourri or pleasant aromas:
We suggest that you keep all smells neutral. What smells good to you may not smell good to a buyer.

11. Take a walk:
If you are home when the buyer and agent arrive, greet them and leave. You may stay in one room, or better yet, go outside. Don't follow them around or point out all the details of the home. Just tell them that you would be happy to answer any questions, then leave and let their agent show them through. If you are showing the home direct to the buyer, the less said the better. Don't point out all the details of the home as they walk through. Welcome them and give them the flyer to refer to, then tell them you'll be happy to answer any questions when they are done. Remember, don't give away all your personal information- it may put them in a stronger negotiating position.

For more information:
Chris Phillips
5560 Kirkwood Hwy.
Wilmington, DE 19808 US
Email: cphillips@remax.net
302-442-4200
Fax: 302-442-4201