SELLERS GUIDE #9 - HAVING A SHOWHOUSE
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.
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
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
2. Get ready to leave
3. Pick Up in Every Room
4. Turn On All Lights
5. The Bedrooms
6. De-personalize each room
7. The Kitchen
7. Clean Air
8. Music
9 Fireplace
10 Air-conditioning
11 The Bathrooms
12 The Entryway
13 The Dog
14 Add the little things
15 Special Features
16 Garages and Storerooms
17 Other Helpful Tips you might have forgotten to do
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
YOU HAVE JUST GOT TO
SHARE THIS!