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Seller Etiquette for Easy Spring Sales

Posted by Blog Admin on Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 at 12:44pm.

 

You’ve just placed your home for sale, hoping to capitalize on the traditionally busy spring real estate market. Congratulations! We know the decision to sell is a big one, and to make it easier, we’ve put together a few simple seller’s etiquette rules. How you treat prospective buyers – even if you never see them face-to-face – can have a big impact on how buyers see your property and their willingness to make an offer.

  1. LEAVE!  This is, perhaps, the most important rule of “Selling 101.” Real estate agents the world over will tell you that buyers are more comfortable and more able to picture themselves in the home when the current owners are nowhere in sight.  Although you might be tempted to stay to hear feedback, it’s better to clear out, giving shoppers the opportunity to peruse without the pressure of feeling like their every move is watched.
  2. Remove Pets During Showings.  Whether you own a 5-pound Yorkie or a 50-pound Bulldog, it’s best to move ALL pets out of the house when buyers are touring.  If you can’t take them off-site, at least kennel them in an isolated area.  Buyers won’t like being greeted by a barking dog or a hissing cat, and many people have allergies, so seeing pets could be an immediate turn-off.  Plus, having strangers in the home puts added stress on your furry friends, too.
  3. Move vehicles out of the driveway or garage. Again, this is an easy way to allow potential buyers to feel a little more at home on their very first visit.  Take yourself and your pets for a drive, leaving plenty of easy parking during showings.
  4. Provide simple refreshments.  This one is so easy and can make such a good first impression!  A pitcher of lemonade on a hot summer day or freshly brewed coffee when it’s chilly outside can be left in the kitchen with cookies or candy and a note welcoming buyers to make themselves at home.  House hunting is hard work, and refreshments are always appreciated.
  5. Leave important documents where buyers will see them.  Not only does this tip make sellers look very prepared, but it also proactively answers questions right on the spot.  You can leave a copy of your appraisal, home warranty, and monthly utility information in an easy-to-find location so that buyers can have quick answers to questions like, “How much does it cost to heat this house?” 
  6. Listen to your REALTOR®.  You hired your REALTOR® because he/she is an expert… So, listen when your REALTOR® makes recommendations on price, repairs, negotiation tactics, etc.  Be patient while waiting for feedback; sometimes buyers take their time in making a decision.  Rest assured that, when your REALTOR knows of an offer or a potential problem, he/she will let you know about it.  Finally, be willing to negotiate.  Your REALTOR will know and recommend where to draw the line.  Heeding good advice can produce a fantastic deal.

Good luck with your home sale this spring! As always, if you need real estate advice or assistance, call Peggy Slappey Properties at 770-271-5555 or visit us online at www.psponline.com . We’ll connect you with an expert that will guide you each step of the way.

Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. is a Metro Atlanta real estate brokerage with over 30 years of experience in real estate sales and marketing.  From new home construction to resales, we can help you find the home of your dreams.  To see our current listings, visit www.psponline.com and call us for expert advice at 770-271-5555.  Keep up to date with the latest PSP events and offers by checking in on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peggyslappeyproperties and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/psponline.

 

 

 

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