BC HOMES AND REAL ESTATE.COM
RE/MAX Sabre Realty
102-2748 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
P: 604-942-0606
F: 604-942-9533
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RE/MAX Sabre Realty
102-2748 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
P: 604-942-0606
F: 604-942-9533
GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL
1) EASY HOUSEHOLD FIXES FOR SELLERS
2) THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE 1ST SHOWING-CHECKLIST
3) GET READY FOR YOUR LISTING APPOINTMENT
It’s nice to know how to fix small problems with nothing more than ingenuity
Cabinet hinges in the kitchen or bathroom can sometimes work loose through repeated use. This problem can usually be solved with a few toothpicks and some glue. First, remove the screw and stuff the area with as many toothpicks as will fit. Break off the part that sticks out and put a small amount of carpenter’s glue in the spot. Wipe the area clean and you are ready to replace that screw. Now wasn’t that easy
Cracked or broken tiles will ruin the look of your room and replacing them isn’t hard to do. First, dig out the surrounding grout with a special tool called a ’grout saw.’ or use a utility knife. Next, place a cloth over the tile that is cracked and hit it with a hammer to break it up. (Of course, you are wearing your safety goggles!) Pry out the broken pieces and thoroughly scrape out the remaining debris. Glue in the new tile, wait till everything is dry and re-grout.
Tighten loose screws in door knobs or handles. Remove the knob and the trim ring. Once the doorknob is removed, the trim ring can be popped off by applying a little pressure to a small spring lever located at the inside edge of the trim ring. Or you can pry it off with a screwdriver. You’ll find two screws just beneath the trim ring. Tighten them in place and then replace the trim ring and the doorknob.
Slow drains are a big turnoff. If a plunger doesn’t solve the problem, a plumbing snake can be your best bet. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate your needs. A snake is usually flexible and has an ’auger’ on one end. There will also usually be a turning device to help you get thru the bends in the pipes and more easily grab the blockage. Talk to the people at your local hardware to get the correct size.
Checklist-Things To Do Before The 1st Showing
Front entrance
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Clean doors and all windows inside and out.
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Sweep sidewalk
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Polish doorknobs
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Shake out doormat
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Water container flowers (replace if necessary)
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Clean doors and wipe down all walls especially if you have children
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Keep the lawn and landscaping trimmed
Entryway
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Clean doors and windows
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Mop floor, shake out rug, vacuum carpeting
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Water container flowers or plants
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Dust shelves or entry table
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Tidy up closet
Living room, family room
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Stow away newspapers, magazines, books, games, toys, and videos
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Straighten out coffee table, bookshelves, and other areas
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Mop floor or vacuum rugs
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Vacuum upholstered furniture; wipe down leather or vinyl
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Dust surfaces (including TV screen)
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Sweep fireplace
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Wipe down ceiling fan blades
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Water houseplants
Kitchen
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Mop or vacuum floor
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Clean appliances
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Wipe countertops, cabinets
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Clean sink
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Stow away kitchen sponge and dish towels
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Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors
Bathrooms
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Wipe wet shower stalls and bathtubs
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Mop floors
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Put out fresh towels
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Empty wastebaskets
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Clean sinks, mirrors and faucets
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Stow away laundry
Bedrooms
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Make beds
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Mop floors or vacuum rugs
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Stow away shoes, laundry, clothes, books/toys
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Open curtains or shades
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Tidy up closet
Home office
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Straighten out desk and bookshelves
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Stow away files
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Mop floor or vacuum rugs
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Dust surfaces, including computer screen
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Polish cabinets and woodwork
Basement
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Clear clutter blocking access to furnace, electrical box or laundry room
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Sweep stairs
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The first actual step in selling your home is to call us for a "listing appointment." At that meeting, you’ll settle on all the details of putting your home on the market.
To make your listing appointment as productive as possible, give some good thought ahead of time to the following:
With this information on the table, plus our input concerning current market conditions, you’ll quickly arrive at your best possible asking price and the best marketing strategy for your sale.
If you’re about to sell your home, simply call us to arrange for the appointment that will give you all the advantages of our listing services. |
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Your house should always be available for show, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. Let your listing agent put a lock box in a convenient place to make it easy for other agents to show your home to homebuyers. Otherwise, agents will have to schedule appointments, which is an inconvenience. Most will just skip your home to show the house of someone else who is more cooperative. Most agents will call and give you at least a couple of hours notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that time, they will just skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will probably be with different buyers and you may have just lost a chance to sell your home.
Try Not to be HomeHomebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee house, or take the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out-of-the-way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.
LightingWhen you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.
Fragrances Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have a potpourri pot or something natural. Or turn on a stove burner (or the oven) for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking.
Pet ControlIf you have pets, make sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple listing service. The last thing you want is to have your pet running out the front door and getting lost. If you know someone is coming, it would be best to try to take the pets with you while the homebuyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, it’s best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room when you expect visitors, and put a sign on the door. Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers come to view your property, but they may panic and try to escape.
The Kitchen TrashEspecially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Remember that you want to send a positive image about every aspect of your home. Kitchen trash does not send a positive message. You may go through more plastic bags than usual, but it will be worth it.
Keep the House TidyNot everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try your best to have it look like a model home – a home with furniture but nobody really lives there.
Additional TouchesHaving the Fire Place on, if appropriate is a nice touch. Putting fresh flowers in attractive Vases around the house can liven up your home. Having soft music playing softly in the background Studies show that gentle music slows everyone down, so they can take the time to really look
