101 Money Making Tips

to Prepare Your Home for A Quick Sale.

BONUS! How to quickly get your home ready for a showing INFINITY

REAL ESTATE BUY • SELL • INVEST

TEAM

www.InfinityTeamKW.com 317-434-4444

Preparing Your Home for Sale

3 Preparing Your Home for Sale.

5 Exterior Tips - Creating “Curb Appeal” 7 Interior Tips - Make the say, “Wow!” 13 Staging a Home to Sell.

17 Bonus: What to Do When It’s Time for A Showing.

First impressions are lasting impressions. Remember the 60-second rule: 60 seconds is all the time you have to create a winning first impression. You want to make sure that buyers looking at your home are left with the best possible impression.

Our goal is to simplify, depersonalize and de-clutter your home in order for it to show as larger and brighter, giving a more spacious feeling to potential buyers and, as your Professional Real Estate team, we can help you achieve that goal.

We have compiled 101 money making tips that will provide you an advantage over your competition. You may be thinking, “101 tips, WOW that is way too many.” Many of these are things that you are very likely to do yourself anyway, but as you read through the following pages, we ask that you keep this in mind—if you start by making the touch-ups and repairs that you may very well need to make anyway, like after a home inspection, your house will instantly look more attractive to potential buyers right when they walk in the door.

Just remember, selling your home is our goal, and we know you want to sell your home for the best price, in least amount of time and without any hassles.

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Exterior Tips - Creating “Curb Appeal” As was stated before, your goal should be to make a positive first impression, and that impression starts from the time the buyer drives up in front of your home.

Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home’s curb appeal.

Yard Tips 1. Keep the grass cut, well watered and remove all yard clutter.

2. If you have flower beds, they should be free of weeds and appear well maintained.

3. Apply fresh mulch to flower beds and around shrubs.

4. Use colorful flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkways and patio.

5. Trees, shrubs and hedges should be trimmed and pruned.

6. Remove landscaping that blocks the view of your home.

Buyers want to see your home, not your home hiding in the bushes.

Front Entry Porch Tips 7. Repaint the front door and trim if not pristine.

8. Add a new thick “Welcome” mat, and keep it clean.

9. Place potted flowers near the front door.

10. Make sure house number is easy to read 11. Be sure front door and the area near the front door is clean and free of dirt, dust and cobwebs.

12. Make sure the door and door hardware appearance is nice and working properly.

13. Be sure the front doorbell is in good working order.

14. Shovel and salt your walks and driveway. (Winter) 15. Supply a boot/shoe tray inside the front door (winter or rain)

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Garage Tips 16. Drastically re-organize. Anything not that won’t be used regularly should be considered for moving to storage.

17. Sweep and clean – remove all cobwebs and any oil or grease from the floor. If possible, get a kit to paint the garage floor to give it a clean, new look.

18. Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture and trash from the yard.

19. Make sure the garage door opens easily. Fix and paint the garage door if necessary.

General Outdoor Tips 20. Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept and in good condition.

21. Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.

22. Tighten and clean all door handles.

23. Clean exterior windows and glass doors.

24. Power wash your home’s exterior.

25. Ensure that all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.

26. Pick up any litter (trash, sticks, etc.).

27. Replace cracked, unsealed or broken window panes.

28. Repair loose or damaged shingles.

29. Repair damaged siding and caulking.

30. Thoroughly sweep the all exterior walls of your house and the eaves to clean off cobwebs and remove wasp nests.

31. If needed, repaint the trim and wood to give your house a fresh look.

32. Wash or repaint the mailbox and post.

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Interior Tips - Make them say, “Wow” Most buyers have a hard time imagining how a home will look with their belongings in it. Your goal is to give them a blank canvas. Many items will need be packed for moving and taken to storage. This is important and should be considered as giving you a head start on the move to your new home. With that in mind: Throughout the House General Tips 33. Depersonalize your home by storing personal photos so that potential buyers may visualize their personal items in the home.

(This is probably one of the most important things to a potential buyer!)

34. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.

35. Jewelry and valuables should be locked safely away or taken with you for showings.

36. Valuable property, such as objects of art, vases and figurines need to be out of reach, out of sight or locked away.

37. Make sure that there is not too much furniture in a room.

Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove any items that interrupt the “flow” or make the room appear smaller.

Select the best pieces and put others in storage.

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Remove clutter from each room to visually enlarge them.

Dust blinds, windowsills and plant ledges.

Make sure to dust around the ceiling to remove any cobwebs.

Chipped plaster and paint touched-up and repaired.

Oil squeaky doors.

Clean and polish Mirrors, fixtures and taps.

Clean halls and stairs.

Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.

Replace or clean A/C filters. Clean all A/C vents and intake grills.

Remove excessive wall hangings and knickknacks.

Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.

Make minor repairs (torn screens,sticking doors, cracked caulking).

Clean or paint walls and ceilings.

Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.

Fix or replace discolored grout.

Replace broken tiles.

If you have a fireplace, highlight it in your decorating.

Keep simple, fresh flowers in the entry dining room and kitchen. Use plants in transitional areas of your house.

Make the most of you attic’s potential.

Remove and/or hide extension cords and exposed wires.

Repair or replace banisters and handrails.

Open doors to areas you want potential buyers to see such as walk-in closets, pantries, attic, etc.

Remove out-of-date wallpaper and paint a neutral color.

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Lighting Tips 61. Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.

62. Replace old lamps or lamp shades, and replace out-of-date light fixtures.

63. Replace any burned out light bulbs and upgrade to a higher wattage in all light fixtures to show your home brightly.

64. Turn on all lights, day or night to create a positive mood.

Carpet/Floor Tips 65. Clean or replace carpet. If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned or if they really need it, now is the time to do it.

66. Bare floors should be waxed or polished as well. If you need to replace them, we can help you make choices that will be most appealing to buyers.

Window Tips 67. Clean interior windows and glass doors.

68. Use soap to lubricate sticking windows and doors.

Bathroom Tips 69. Clean all tubs, toilets and sinks. Then polish the sinks and all hardware to a shine.

70. Store unused shampoos, soaps, scrubbing implements, razors, etc. under a sink or in a closet.

71. Store the laundry hamper in a closet. Make sure it is closed.

72. Store the wastebasket under the sink.

73. Rugs and toilet lid covers should be removed. Close the lid.

74. Store cleansers under the sink.

75. Streamline the counter. Only 1-2 items.

76. Linen cabinets should be organized and items reduced.

77. Use baskets to hold make-up and toiletries so that after use they can be stored under the counter.

78. Bathtubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. The grout and tile should be clean and in good condition.

79. Buy new “show” towels for the bathrooms. Simple is best.

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Put out “show� towels and decorative soaps for showings.

Be sure seals around tubs and basins are in good repair.

Do not leave used towels out and wipe down the sinks and shower areas after each use.

Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.

Kitchen Tips 84. Expand counter space by keeping all flat surfaces (counter tops, appliance tops and furniture) cleared off as much as possible.

85. Kitchen counters should have very little on them to show that there is plenty of available workspace. Keep appliances stored when not in use.

86. Go over the kitchen as if you were a health inspector. Clean the oven, range top (new drip pans for exposed electric or polish the surface for solid surface) and clean the seal of the dishwasher door.

87. Remove all magnets, notes, pictures, etc. from front and sides of the refrigerator.

88. Stow the trash can in a pantry or under the sink.

89. Replace worn counter tops.

90. Make sure the inside of closets and cupboards is neat and tidy.

91. Clean the range/ventilating hood.

92. New kitchen appliances can make difference in a buyer choosing your home over another.

Bedroom and Living Area Tips 97. Create a master suite effect with your decorating.

98. Make sure that there is not too much furniture in a room.

Select pieces that look the best and put others in storage.

99. Buy new bedding for the bedrooms.

100. Make sure that beds are made and the linens are clean.

101. Depersonalize and decorate in neutral scheme.

Utility Room Tips 93. Organize shelves and put away non-cleanser items.

94. Keep area clear of clothes.

Closet Tips 95. Thin all closets dramatically and organize the remaining items neatly on shelves. Be sure to allow space between hanging items.

96. At one very visible spot, leave space so the rear wall of the closet or pantry will show when the door is opened. Leave some empty space on each shelf to show potential additional storage space.

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Staging a Home to Sell Remember the 60 second rule: You will only get one opportunity to make a positive first impression with potential buyers. Well staged homes look better, photograph better, show better and sell faster than non-staged homes.

Since you only have 60 seconds to impress potential buyers, creating an inviting, memorable and welcoming atmosphere is crucial and we want to ensure your success in selling your home.

Home staging is not decorating. Decorating appeals to the person living in the house; staging is positioning the home to appeal to the psychological needs of buyers by creating a series of impressions that build an emotional connection to help buyers imagine living in the home.

While many agents overlook the presentation of your home and push for price reductions, the problems, whether perceived or real, still exist.

A Money & Finance poll revealed that 87% of respondents said home presentation makes the difference in most sales.

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Here are the three most common questions regarding home staging: What Is Staging?

Home staging is about “setting the stage” for buyers. It’s about perfecting the art of creating moods. It’s about making your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more inviting and, best of all, it makes home buyers want to buy it.

Why Is Staging Important?

While your house is on the market, you are not only competing with other sellers, you’re competing with brand-new homes and models.

Staging sets your home apart from the crowd and makes it appealing to the broadest range of buyers, leading to a faster, higher offer How Will Staging Pay Off for Me? A staged home spends 80% less time on the market. A staged home enhances photos and virtual tours, and attracts more visits from serious buyers. It helps potential buyers feel relaxed while visualizing their own furnishings and future lives in your house.

Many times only minor changes are needed to enhance the character and charm of your house and the main goal is to utilize the possessions currently in the home.

Also, the investment in staging your home for sale will always be less than your first price reduction. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home to sell are two very different things!

The number one reason for staging your home—It works!

a staged home spends

80% LESS TIME on the market.

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Bonus: What to Do When It’s Time for a Showing Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who sells his or her house in the first or second visit, you’re probably going to have multiple showings. They can be scheduled at nearly any time of day, and can sometimes be thrown at you in the last minute.

Our best advice is that if your agent calls with an appointment for a showing, you should take it. It’s a big gamble to say no. What if that was the couple that was going to buy your house? Without any conditions? And with CASH!?! Don’t let the “cash couple” drive past your house without the opportunity to see it.

It’s a good idea to have a family “game plan” to get your house in order quickly if necessary. Because it’s best not to be present during showings, we recommend that you leave 15 minutes before the scheduled showing time and arrive back at your house 15 minutes after the showing is supposed to end.

As difficult as it may sound, try to leave your home in “showing ready” condition every day. That way, even if you are away or at work, you can feel confident that your agent will be able to show the home and not miss “the perfect buyer” and you will be on the way to your next dream home.

To help you prepare, we have developed this handy-dandy “Show-Ready Home” checklist. Keep it near-by, so when you get that showing, all you have to do is follow the plan.

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The “Show-Ready Home” Checklist You only have 15 minutes . . .

• Panic! Okay—check that off the list. See, you’re already making progress!

• Keep all blinds or shades pulled up or open and draperies pulled back to allow maximum light.

• Make sure your property folder is out in the open. It should contain utility estimates, the BLC profile, your Seller’s Disclosure, extra property flyers and extra business cards.

• Make all the beds and clear all personal items from night stands and dressers.

• Grab a laundry basket – throw all of the clutter into it and put the basket into the car (you can sort it when you get back).

• Empty all garbage/waste baskets into a garbage bag and take out (or take it with you).

• Make sure all doors and cupboards are properly closed.

• Put up your “show towels.”

• Clean bathroom mirrors and close all toilet seats.

• Wipe down all counter tops and sinks with a damp cloth.

• Turn on all the lights in the house. Even in daylight this will give a warm feel to the home.

You have an hour or more . . .

• Do everything on the 15 minute list (maybe a little less panic).

• Start by airing out the home. Most People are turned off by even the smallest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have dogs, cats, young children in diapers or if you are a smoker.

• Infuse home with comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.

Ex: microwave a small dish of vanilla 20 minutes before showing and place it in an out-of- the way place. (Try to avoid floral scents as they can be too strong, DO NOT use plug-in air fresheners).

• Freshly vacuum all carpet areas.

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• Sweep all hard-surface floors. Spot-mop any sticky spots.

• Use cleaner or vinegar and water to clean all glass and mirrored surfaces.

• Give the toilets a scrub and wipe down tubs.

• Clear kitchen counter tops as much as possible; all dishes in dishwasher, sponges and scrubbies under the sink.

• Give kitchen cupboards a quick wipe down.

• Laundry should be folded and put away (unless it’s already been chucked into a laundry basket and put into your car to deal with later).

• Sweep the front walk, and shake out the doormat.

• Pets should be absent, where possible, or contained during the showing. Litter boxes clean and feeding dishes put out of sight.

• Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light candles.

• Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.

• Place laundry in hampers or hide it in the washer (not in closets).

• Put away any clutter, toys, etc.

• Keep heat or A/C set no warmer than 72 degrees and heat no cooler than 70 degrees.

• If you want to go the extra mile, play quiet, peaceful background music, or put on a pot of coffee.

Now, go have a coffee and relax!

Selling a house can be a stressful business!

After the showing, a questionnaire will be sent to the buyer’s agent who showed your property asking for feedback. Feedback gives us an idea of buyers’ opinions of the home, its price, condition, etc.

This showing feedback is our way of finding out what the market has to say about your home. Don’t ignore this feedback. We will discuss all feedback with you, and make suggestions. Please be prepared to listen to this informed advice. We will provide all feedback to you, through our weekly calls and monthly reports.

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Tim Shields cell: 317-787-SOLD (7653) timshields@kw.com info@infinityteamkw.com

David Myers cell: 317-787-SELL (7355) dmyers@kw.com info@infinityteamkw.com

INFINITY

REAL ESTATE BUY • SELL • INVEST

TEAM

www.InfinityTeamKW.com 317-434-4444

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