Sam's Blog

 In some homes, 'pre-dumping' might be more appropriate!

But if you ever find a house like this, contact an aluminum recycler and this will cover the cost to totally fix up the property!!  

I recently read an article in The Charlotte Observer that explained that a great way to show a house is to get the sellers to "declutter" it by selectively removing and pre-moving into storage, the things that won't help it show well.

Explain this to your sellers during the listing presentation by having the process already laid out including the rates for temporary storage and show them how this can help them put their house in the best possible light for a quick showing.   Here are some tips when you do!  

Foyer:  when entering the home, what do you see?  Anything look out of place or like a sore thumb?  

Walls, windows, floors:  Everything clean?  Are the window treatments at a minimal?  Are the walls a neutral color?  Is the carpet hiding hardwood floors?  

The Great Room:  Have you pulled the furniture away from the walls and floated them around a focal point like a fireplace?  Does the furniture arrangement make the room look spacious or cramped?  Go with a classic sofa, 2 chairs and a few tables and lamps and take half the books and knickknacks from the shelves.  

The Dining Room:  Set the table for company.  

The Kitchen:  Remove about everything from the countertops.  (Might leave a coffeemaker and bin of utencils.)  Remove any magnetic art from the refrigerator.  

Kitchen/Bathroom Fixtures:  Should sparkle.  Replace any out of date or damaged knobs.  For a minimum expense, these are really important for a good showing.  

Closets:  Leave only a few items so the buyers can see the room they'll have.  

Toy Control:  Corral the toys in a chest or armoire in the family room.  Minimize and tell the parents to get the kids involved in helping!  Make them feel important and make a game out it the next time of a showing by saying "It's show time, hide all of the toys!"

Sam Thompson, PHH Mortgage Advisor

http://samthompson.phhmortgage.com/