Help for Homeowners - Showing Your Home

This is the first in a new blog post series to be coming to you periodically in 2008. As a real estate brokerage, Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC Real Estate exists to assist and serve homeowners (and would-be homeowners) throughout the Mother Lode. Our goal is to be the expert in our community when it comes to the buying and selling of property and to also provide relevant information on a variety of subjects important to homeowners. With this in mind, Help for Homeowners #1 is all about preparing your home for potential homebuyers. Through a few simple actions on your part your home can be made ready to make the best impression possible.

Dear Homeowner,

To show your home to its best advantage, you have to look at it objectively, as though you were a potential buyer. Since a home is such an emotional purchase, people often base their choice on feelings. Regardless of your location and price, if something about your home “feels wrong,” the buyer will look elsewhere.

Readying the Outside

1. Since people begin to judge your home the moment they drive up, the first impression is crucial.

2. Make sure your front lawn looks neat. Cut the grass and trim the hedges. Plant some extra flowers for color — or put some potted plants beside the front door.

3. Take a close look at your front door. If it’s faded or needs repair, clean it, stain it or paint it. While you’re at it, do the same with the back door and garage door.

4. Repainting the exterior of your home is a fairly expensive venture, and really unnecessary unless the sides have had blistering or peeling. Painting window sashes, trim and shutters can do wonders.

Readying the Inside

1. Brighten things with fresh paint. White, off-white, or beige walls make a room look bigger.

2. Too much clutter and too much furniture can make a home “feel wrong.” Move out all excess furniture to make rooms appear larger.

3. Clear off the kitchen counters — make them look as expansive as possible. Clean the oven and all appliances. Put a fresh flower or plant on the counter.

4. Get out your tool kit: Tighten loose doorknobs, drawer pulls, cabinet handles, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers. Fix leaky faucets and remove water stains.

Bring on the Buyers

1. When it’s time for your agent to show your home, all your preparations will be worth it. But here are a few final tips.

2. Make yourself scarce. Many prospects feel like intruders when the owners are present. They tend to hurry away, or fail to ask the questions they’d like to ask. Your absence will put buyers at ease, and give them a chance to spend more time looking at your house.

3. Let your sales professional show your home even when you’re not there. If you don’t, you’re limiting the showings — and actually keeping your house off the market many hours a day.

4. Always keep your home ready for show. Your sales professional will try to give you as much advance warning as possible. Likewise, other sales professionals may call to arrange showings. But the bottom line is: Always be prepared.

For more home and family information, call Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC Real Estate at 209-533-4242 or EMAIL US HERE. And don't forget to watch for Help for Homeowners #2 to come soon.