How do I promote the sale of my property? How should I behave towards potential buyers? Steps to successfully sell your property.
1. Make a good first impression.
You never get a second chance to correct a first impression. The importance of outward appearances shouldn't be underestimated – especially when it comes to your own home.
Potential buyers begin their decision-making process early, starting with their first impression of the garage door or the roadside. A well-maintained garden with neatly trimmed plants and a highly polished or even freshly painted front door create an inviting impression.
The fewer obstacles there are between potential buyers and the appeal of your property, the better. So, rake up and clear away leaves in the fall and keep the paths clear in the winter.
2. Invest a few hours!
Now is the chance to really clean up!
Tidy up your living room, bathroom, and kitchen. A fresh coat of paint, perhaps some new wallpaper, or a few decorative touches can all contribute to increasing the charm and value of your home. Many potential buyers lack the necessary imagination; their purchasing decisions are usually based on the current state rather than on what could be done with it.
3. Check all taps and light bulbs!
Dripping water raises doubts – could there be something wrong with the entire water supply? Don't leave potential buyers in the dark. Don't let minor details distract from the bigger picture.
4. Don't slam the door before you've finished!
Squeaky or jammed cabinet or apartment doors are easy to repair, but they remain in the memory of the prospective buyer.
5. Think about your safety and that of the prospective buyer!
Roller skates on the stairs, low-hanging lamps, extension cords lying around, slipping carpets – these are all safety hazards.
6. Make room!
Prospective buyers are generally looking not only for comfortable living spaces, but also for storage of rarely used items such as hobby or craft supplies. Therefore, make sure the attic and/or basement appear spacious. Remove unnecessary items.
7. Bathrooms should be sparkling clean!
Bathrooms can make a big difference to a house's appeal! All grout, especially in older bathrooms, should be cleaned and repaired. Hang out nice hand and bath towels and place matching bath mats on the floor.
8. Create dream bedrooms!
Potential buyers should feel at home in someone else's bedroom – comfortable and at ease. Remove unnecessary furniture and put on a colorful duvet.
9. Let in daylight!
When viewing the apartment during daylight hours, pull back all the curtains; this will make it appear bright and welcoming.
10. Light it up in the evening!
When holding viewings in the evening, enhance the experience with lighting, both inside and out. Light creates color and warmth and welcomes potential buyers.
11. Avoid crowds!
Visitors, whether relatives or friends, should not be present during viewings. Prospective buyers do not want to be seen as intruders. A decision in their lives should be taken at a timely pace.
12. Watch out for pets!
Dogs and cats are good companions, but not during a viewing; they have a knack for always being underfoot. So: Fido and cat should stay outside!
13. Remember the volume!
Rock 'n' roll will never die out, but some people don't like it.
14. Relax!
Be friendly, but don't force conversations with the prospective buyer. They generally don't like distractions from the viewing.
15. Don't apologize!
If a prospective buyer makes negative comments, you don't need to apologize.
It's best to leave the situation to your real estate agent.
16. Don't turn your house into a secondhand shop!
Prospective buyers are usually interested in acquiring a property.
Even if you will have no further use for the furniture and other inventory, these items should be left out of the conversation, especially during the first meeting.
It could be distracting for potential buyers.
Perhaps with the exception of the fitted kitchen.
17. Trust your real estate agent!
Often, a prospective buyer tries to conduct the first negotiation regarding prices, conditions, etc., directly with the seller.
Leave such discussions to your expert – your real estate agent.
