Looking for Advice - Selling Home - Page 3

HisElk1 · ‎09-29-2015

@Kachina624 wrote:
I have a lot of jewelry...too much to hide. For this reason I would not allow an unsupervised open house where people have access to dresser drawers etc. Things are so easily stolen and you have no idea who they are.

@Kachina624, I have a lot of jewelry too, so I decided to pack it up and literally put it in the car with us when we left the house for the showing. I figured I had to pack it anyway to eventually move and it worked for me. Yes, it was a pain in the butt, but at least I knew it was safe with me.

FastDogWalker2 · ‎03-10-2010

Thank you all for taking the time to answer me and give me such helpful advice! I have been following all of the suggestions - keep your fingers crossed! Again, thank you!

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Our realtor started out by having an agents open house. It was early in the morning and I put out danish and doughnuts and made coffee and tea.We were instructed to be there to answer any questions the agents asked. It was very successful - many agents came to look at the house and assured us the house would sell quickly for near our asking price. From those agents we had several showings, and even after the house was under contract we got a couple calls from agents who wanted to show the house to show their clients what they could expect to get for that amount of money or in case our contract fell through. All in all I believe we had 15 showings in a week and a bid from the people who eventually bought it on the 8th day - we negiotiated for a day and it went under contract the 9th day. We had to call back 2 realtors who had scheduled showings to tell them the house was sold.

I think it also helped that I prayed day & night it would sell quickly, because our new house was already under construction.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@151949 wrote:
Our realtor started out by having an agents open house. It was early in the morning and I put out danish and doughnuts and made coffee and tea.We were instructed to be there to answer any questions the agents asked. It was very successful - many agents came to look at the house and assured us the house would sell quickly for near our asking price. From those agents we had several showings, and even after the house was under contract we got a couple calls from agents who wanted to show the house to show their clients what they could expect to get for that amount of money or in case our contract fell through. All in all I believe we had 15 showings in a week and a bid from the people who eventually bought it on the 8th day - we negiotiated for a day and it went under contract the 9th day. We had to call back 2 realtors who had scheduled showings to tell them the house was sold.
I think it also helped that I prayed day & night it would sell quickly, because our new house was already under construction.

Why would you have to call agents and tell them the house was sold and cancel the showings? YOUR realtor should have handled this and hopefully All showings should have been set up through him/ her or the receptionist at your realtors office. The listing agent should always have a log of who and when each agent shows your home.

Also is is customary for all of the agents who work out of the realtors office to do a home tour after their weekly office meeting. That way they are familiar with their inventory.

it was very nice of you to provide a continental breakfast.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

We just sold our house, that we lived in for the past 18 years, last year. We had a great realtor and used him for the past 3 houses we have sold. So using a good realtor is key! We sold fast, thanks to him. Just follow the tips your realtor has and you should be good. Good luck! I don't envy you. I still hate the selling and moving process!

"Pure Michigan"

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

Remember buyers will be looking in closets and drawers. So hiding clutter can be a bit of an issue. Its a good time to start thinning out, better than moving all that stuff.

rrpell · ‎11-01-2010

We wanted to keep our kitchen spotless so we ended up eating dinner, out. It was bad enough keeping the rest of the house clean! Also, we did not want to introduce cooking smells into the equation.

On one showing, right before we were leaving the house we noticed the toilet in our ensuite bathroom was running. We didn't have time to check it out so we just shut the water valve to that toilet. When we returned, we were both surprised and dismayed to find out a child of one of the potential buyers had used the toilet! We had two other bathrooms but they chose our private one.

If you have something which is part of the house, but you are planning on taking, be sure and tell your realtor. I was surprised to find out I had to stipulate I was taking a few perennial plants that had come from my grandmother's garden.

I think think it is important to receive feedback. Our realtor left a written narrative every time someone saw our home.

Good luck!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela

Hooty · ‎03-09-2010

@FastDogWalker2, we are looking for a 4 bedroom house and a smaller yard, and will have to get rid of our house we have been in for 19 yrs.! We have 3 granddaughters now who need a room, and we currently have a huge yard, that is just too much for my DH to handle in his mid-60's! Have you found a new house yet, or are you waiting to you sell your's? I wish you the best of luck!

Most realtors do not suggest open houses for houses still occupied, say that most people that come by are nosy neighbors, LOL!

Imadickens · ‎06-15-2016

I have bought and sold over eight times in 40 years. I never had an open house. The best advice I have is to uncluttered as much as possible and take down as many personal pictures as you can. Lookers like to be able to imagine themselves living in the house. Also, be aware of any strange odors your house may have! I find it amazing that when I've been gone a few days how easy it is to smell my dogs when I return! In fall, I used to bake an apple pie when people were coming (just make sure there is nothing to burn in the bottom of the oven!) or chocolate chip cookies! Remember to turn lamps on to make hose look bright! Keep drawers and closets clean as people will open them! Also, garbage should be emptied before they arrive! Finally, curb appeal is most important! Keep lawn cut, get rid of dead flowers, and put things away that don't belong in the yard! Make sure nothing needs painting are cleaning! If you do repainted, keep it neutral in color and do a good job! I've seen houses where the paint was all over the windows! Good luck!

Never underestimate the power of kindness.

FastDogWalker2 · ‎03-10-2010

Hooty - we have found a home to buy; it is contingent on our current home selling! We are on a tear doing so much around the house - hopefully it will pay off! Good luck to you and your family. The house we hope to purchase is about the same size but on a smaller lot and will not require so much effort to keep it up. Thanks for the kind words!