How to think like a
Buyer
If you're thinking of selling your home, you need to look at it
objectively. Try to visualize it not as you the seller, see it, but from the
critical vantage point of a buyer. The Home Merchandising Analysis is the starting
point for implementing our Home Merchandising System, but first we need to determine how
buyers are going to look at your home.The
First Step
Linda's goal is to help you do the best possible job of merchandising
your home, and to help you become aware of those obstacles big and small that a buyer will
notice and perhaps use to justify offering a lower price.
Together, using this analysis, we can note minor repairs, general
fix-ups, selective improvements and merchandising tips that can make your home more
attractive to prospective buyers and give you the edge over the competition. When
merchandising your home, you can spend a little or a lot, the key is knowing which
projects are right for your home. And that's how Linda can help. And remember,
when it comes to getting top value for your home, it's what the buyer thinks that counts.
As you tour each room in your home,
keep these points in mind:
- Overall condition- Is it
clean and clutter-free? Does it smell fresh and clean? Are personal items and
collectibles stored neatly out of sight? Are there any insect, water or structural
problems that are obvious and need to be taken care of?
- Lighting- Are the fixtures,
switches, switchplates and outlet covers clean and in good working condition? Do bugs need
to be removed from the light fixtures? For the brightest possible rooms, do your
lamps and fixtures have the highest-wattage bulbs they will safely handle?
- Walls- Do the walls need to
be painted? Are there any cracks and holes that need to be repaired? Do
unframed posters and calendars need to be removed from the walls? Does outdated
wallpaper need to be stripped from the walls?
- Windows- Are your windows
(screens and storm windows, if you have them), sills and sashes clean and in good
condition? Are there objects that should be removed from the sills or ledges?
Are curtains or window coverings clean?
- Ceiling- Do cracks need to be
repaired or touched up? Does your ceiling need to be repainted? Does your roof
need to be fixed, patched or reshingled?
- Flooring- Does the
carpet need to be vacuumed or steam cleaned? Do you have worn or outdated carpet
that should be pulled up? Do the wood floors need to be refinished? Do the
tile floors need to be scrubbed and waxed and loose tiles repaired or replaced?
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