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Expert Tips for Home Buyers & Sellers

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Tips for Showing Your Home to Potential Buyers

When potential buyers come to look at your home, it’s vital that they feel like it could be theirs.  Here are some tips for showing your house that will help engage buyers emotionally and leave them feeling like they have found their future home.
  1. Make them feel WELCOME!
The buyer may be a guest in your home, but don’t make them feel like an intruder.  The idea is for them to be able to imagine it as their own.  Leave the house while they are looking so that they can speak freely and comfortably about what they are seeing.  Let them take their time. If they feel rushed they won’t have a positive experience.  Leave a bowl of candy or small treats near the front door with a short note thanking them for coming to see your home.
  1. Check the temperature.
If it is hot outside, turn on the AC. Set the temperature a couple of degrees cooler than usual so that it runs consistently and isn’t kicking on and off while people are looking.  Sometimes HVAC systems can be loud.  The same applies with heat when it is cold outside (set temp a couple of degrees warmer than usual).  You want them to be comfortable in your house so that they will linger as long as possible.
  1. Create a mood.
You want potential buyers to get good vibes from your house the minute they walk through the door.  When weather appropriate, light a fire in the fireplace.  Set your dining table in a way that is appealing.  Have soft music playing.  Create and ambiance that is irresistible!
  1. Be careful with scents.
Some people are very sensitive to certain smells, so don’t spray the air or use plug in deodorizers.  Avoid burning strongly scented candles for the same reason.  If weather permits, open the windows (unless it is too noisy outdoors).  Most people enjoy the smell of freshly baked cookies, but if you are going to bake, make sure you leave some treats out for the visitors so they aren’t disappointed!
  1. Make it visually pleasing.
Open window coverings to let in natural light.  Display appealing seasonal photos in prominent places. If your yard isn’t looking so fabulous, keep window blinds partially closed so that buyers aren’t distracted by what’s outside while looking at the interior of the home.
  1. Light it up!
Turn on every light in the house…even the closet lights. Brighten dark rooms with extra lighting.  A spot light on the floor behind a piece of furniture is a great idea for brightening up a room with few windows. 
  1. Encourage touching.
Drape lush fabrics such as velvet or silk throws over chair arms.  Leave doors slightly ajar so that visitors feel welcome but must open the door to enter the room.  If a room is carpeted, vacuum it in one direction.
  1.  Finish off with food.
Encourage buyers to stick around and notice even more details about your home by offering them food.  You don’t need to have a catered lunch; finger sandwiches, cookies, tea, water and desserts will all suffice. Be sure to have serving utensils, plates, cups and silverware available along with a waste basket in plain sight.
  1. Encourage feedback.
Have a guestbook or a short-pre-printed questionnaire and some pens next to the food.  Feeding the buyers will allow them time to give you some feedback.  This will provide invaluable information to you. Allow buyer anonymity.

 Visit our Video Blog for more tips on buying and selling Memphis Real Estate. Contact Melissa Thompson today for assistance in selling your home!
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