“How can I help my home sell?”

As REALTORS®, we appreciate that question because it points to the realization that selling your home is a team effort.  Of course pricing your home correctly is extremely important and so is marketing.  But let us share some tricks and tips for you:

1. Non-pet owners are very sensitive to pet odors that most times we pet owners don't even realize exist.  All odors must be eliminated.  Also, heating a pan on the stove then dropping in a few drops of vanilla can give the home a cleansing aroma.

2. Pack up "stuff" to make closets, cabinets and your home look larger and less congested.  You are planning to move so why not begin to box up?

3. Occasionally, you will receive a call to schedule a showing to take place within the next few minutes.  The following is a checklist for this type of panic:

• SOUND:  Turn off the television and tune the radio (low volume) to a soft rock, middle of the road or classic rock station.

• SIGHT:  Turn on every light in the house (day or night) and open every drape and blind (daytime only).

• ODORS:  Heat some frozen pastry slowly in the oven or heat a pan on the stove and then drop in a few drops of vanilla.

• KITCHEN:  Wipe kitchen counters.  Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

• BATHROOMS:  Wipe counters.  Flush toilets and close their lids.

• LIVING ROOM:  Hide magazines and newspapers; remove clutter.

• FAMILY ROOM:  Hide magazines, games and newspapers; remove clutter.

• BEDROOMS:  Straighten beds.  Hide clutter under bed (not in closet).

• EXTERIOR:  Put away toys and clutter.  Keep walks clear.

• CHILDREN AND PETS:  They are distractions.  If you and they must be onsite, go outside with them and preferably put your pets in a pen.

• GOODBYE:  Sorry, but this is the single most important thing you can do in a showing to help sell your home!  Even if the showing agent insists that it is OK to stay, you must leave. Buyers must get emotionally committed to your home to buy it and they can not become emotional about "their new home" if you, the current owners, are "hanging around". Please, at the very least, go into the back yard.  Even better, go to the store.

4. Make the buyer feel at ease in purchasing your home by offering a home warranty like the CENTURY 21® home warranty.

5. Compare your home's competition in the market to ascertain that you have a competitive advantage.

Our trained professionals at CENTURY 21 The Moore Group can help you "stage" your home for selling by suggesting what to clean up, fix up, paint, change or pack.

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