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Brigitte finally has to say good-bye to her friend, “Samuel,” the century-old house. And Samuel needs to look his best for the Open House.
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DO clean, clean, clean. You don’t want prospective buyers distracted by your clutter.
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DON’T leave your pets at home during a showing. Not everyone loves cats, dogs, hamsters, boa constrictors – whatever - as much as you do.
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Selling the Ideal Life
- When you prepare your home for a viewing, remember that you are selling more than a house. You’re selling the idea of the kind of life the buyer would like to have in that house. If you have a wine rack, stock it! If you have a hot tub, whirl it! Fresh flowers are an excellent idea. Let your visitors know what an amazing life they can have there. (see figs. A & B)
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| Fig. A |
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Fig. B |
- Make sure that your house has good curb appeal. Is the lawn cut? Are the flowerbeds weeded? Is all your junk stowed away out of sight? Better yet. Get rid of the junk. (see fig. C)
- Do what Brigitte did. Paint the front door. It makes a good first impression. (see fig. D)
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| Fig. C |
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Fig. D |
- Clean is imperative. Vacuum, sweep and scrub until everything shines. A bathtub ring is a sure turnoff.
- You want your house to smell inviting. Here’s a simple trick to make a house smell great. Soak two untreated planks of cedar in water overnight. Just before the Open House, put a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil on to the cedar. Place them in the oven at low heat. (see fig. E)
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| Fig. E |
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Fig. F |
- If you are selling your home yourself, don’t take offence when your visitors don’t like your choice of paint colour, tile or flooring. Remind them that colours are temporary. Sell them on the ideal life that they can have in the house! (see figs. F & G)
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| Fig. G |
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