SELLER GUIDE
STEP 9 - HAVING A SHOW HOUSE
Statistically,
houses that have been on show reach up to 5% more on pricing that those
that
have not. Being “On Show” creates a
sense of competition and excitement and buyers know they are vying to
buy the
house before others.
It is
therefore important that we have a show house fairly early in the
marketing
process so as to stimulate interest and start getting feedback from the
market.
Visitors always give one a good idea of how the house measures up in
terms of
facilities as well as pricing.
If for
instance, we have ten visitors to our first show house and they all
complain
that the price is far too excessive, we might need to urgently reassess
our
pricing strategy before we continue. Or even something as simple as
saying
garden is too high maintenance – in which case you might need to do a
quick
revamp so as to make the garden look clean and easy.
In an
earlier section we dealt with how to prepare your home for sale so by
now most
issues have been dealt with and your home is basically ready to be
presented to
the public.
There
however a few pointers that will make your “Showhouse” great.
1.
Relax
There
is
nothing more to do. Pick up a magazine while you are waiting. Try to be
understanding: the agent may have several home showings scheduled and
he or she
may be a bit early or late.
2.
Get
ready to leave
You
might
be tempted to stay and “help” the agent. Do not. Leave the professional
to do
their job. Go out and enjoy some time at the beach or with friends. It
is a
fact that buyers are less comfortable with the seller around. If you
have no
option but to stay, please read the article on Staying at a Showhouse, for
guidance and advice.
3.
Pick Up
in Every Room
Check
counters, floors, halls and stairs. Straighten up or remove newspapers,
magazines, mail, toys, clothing, recreation gear, snack glasses and
dishes.
4. Turn On
All Lights
Even
those
in toilets and storage rooms. Electric lights have an amazing
capability for
creating an illusion of lightness, airiness and largeness. Open all
curtains, shades and blinds. In short - do all you can do to create a
bright and light ambience
5.
The
Bedrooms
Make
up
the beds, neatly and attractively, early in the morning. This is a job
you
don't want to have to do when you learn that the buyers will be there
within
the hour. Buy new linens and pillows if necessary. Be certain they are
a
neutral colour.
6.
De-personalize
each room
Buyers
want to picture themselves in your home. Remove as much personal
emphasis as possible so they can
focus on the home. Remove photo frames and posters or artwork if too
many of them. This is also a good
time to remove your Blue Bulls flag from the Lounge wall - unless you
live in Pretoria of course
7.
The Kitchen
Be
sure
all countertops are clear and "squeaky clean". Wipe down appliances.
Be sure all dishes are in the dishwasher or cleaned and put away. The
sink
should be clear and clean.
7.
Clean
Air
Keep
air
fresheners in toilets, bathrooms and kitchen. Be especially careful to
keep
kitchen odours fresh: Your agent will use simple tricks like having
coffee
brewing or a cinnamon or vanilla scented candle to create a lasting,
inviting
effect.
8.
Music
Perhaps
you cannot have something baking in the oven every time to create an
inviting
effect, but soft, pleasant background music may be very effective. Your
agent
will probably bring their own music as they know what is suitable
9
Fireplace
A
warm,
cozy fire may be just the extra touch that turns the trick, especially
in winter.
10
Air-conditioning
If
the
weather is warm and sultry, have the air-conditioning operating.
11
The
Bathrooms
Keep
a set
of fresh attractive towels in each bathroom that you can change
instantly.
12
The
Entryway
It
is the
first and last impression that your buyers will have of your home -
make it a
good one! Check it regularly for sharpness. Does the front door need
another
coat of paint or varnish? Does the doorbell work? Why not buy a new
Welcome
mat.
13 The Dog
Keep
Fido
away. Pet lovers will be distracted by your fun pet. For those who do
not have
pets, it may be bothersome. And ALL pets have odours. The garden is
often the place visitors view and provides the agent a good opportunity
to engage with the clients - but not if the dog is harassing them or
just scares them
14
Add the
little things
Fresh
flower
displays work great – as do bowls of fresh fruit. A candle or two
burning in strategic
spots will also work wonders
15
Special Features
If
you have a braai
area why not stack wood as if "ready to braai". If a pool turn the pump
on and lay out the deck chairs. Two perfectly placed trees? Then put up
the hammock. Help the buyers imagination is seeing themselves in the
home.
16
Garages and Storerooms
These
are often the
greatest mess areas in the home and now is the time to clear up. While
it certainly does not have to be spotless it must never appear
cluttered. The buyer needs to believe that they can store their clutter
there easily. If you are a hobbyist lay your work out neatly so the
buyer can see potential of space and ease of use.
17
Other
Helpful Tips you might have forgotten to do
- Clean and
repair windows
- Replace
burned out lights (interior and exterior)
- Repair
cracked plaster (interior and exterior)
- Cut lawn
and shrubs and pick up litter
- Touch up
chipped paint (interior and exterior)
- Repair
gutters and eaves
- Oil
squeaky doors (interior and exterior)
- Tighten
door knobs (interior and exterior)
- Buyers
will open every door in your home. Therefore organize all closets and
drawers.
- Rearrange
furniture to make rooms appear as large as possible.
- Shampoo
carpets
- Clean
washer, dryer and tubs
- Clean
fridge and stove
- Clean and
freshen bathrooms
- Clear
stairs and halls, and store excess furniture - Create a spacious look
FINALLY....
Once again,
relax – your agent knows what they are doing and will make sure you
have every possible
chance of securing an offer on Show Day. Do not be alarmed if you do
not though.
Many buyers will go home, discuss with their spouses and sleep on it.
Your
agent will follow up on each and every visitor and many times, offers
will only
be forthcoming the next day. Sometimes they might even request a second
viewing
in order to clear up some thoughts in their head.
If you are staying for the Showhouse
remember to read this important advice
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