Tips for Buyers

1.	When beginning your search for a new home, determine the lifestyle and the qualities of a community life you desire.
2.	Research neighborhoods that offer the things on your "wish list."
3.	Be prepared for your search with a mortgage approval completed and your down payment funds documented.
4.	If commuting time is important to you, make several "practice runs" from the location you are considering to your workplace. This is best done during the hours you would actually be commuting.
5.	Your ability to overlook personal tastes and preferences in decorating will avail you of more homes at more attractive prices.
6.	The more flexible you can be with terms and the broader the market area, the more quickly a purchase may be negotiated at the best price.
7.	As you preview homes, look everywhere! Examine closets, cabinets and basement storage areas. Take notes so that you remember the different attributes of the homes you've seen.
8.	Have your sales associate continually update you on changes in the marketplace.

Tips for Sellers

Exterior of the Home

1.	The first impression is very important. Be sure the lawn is well trimmed, the gardens neat and that the house itself presents a well-maintained appearance.
2.	Pay particular attention to the front entry. Paint the front door, if necessary, and clean the porch lantern and house numbers. Arrange plants by the entrance, weather permitting.
3.	Clean the windows.
4.	Clean out and organize your garage to look as large as possible.

Interior of the Home
It's important to make your home appeal to a prospective buyer's senses.

1.	Redecorate if necessary, as best you can. Your listing Realtor can help you decide what needs to be done.
2.	Bright rooms are cheerful rooms to a prospective buyer. If a room is dark, try to keep it as light as possible by using light window treatments and bright bulbs, especially in the basement.
3.	A sparkling kitchen and bathrooms give a favorable impression.
4.	Neat bedrooms help sales. Use your best spreads and have dressers and tabletops neatly arranged.
5.	Neat closets look larger. Clean out overstuffed closets and store clothes in the attic or storage room.
6.	Clear stairways are essential. Items placed on any stairs are dangerous and present a crowded appearance.
7.	A clean, bright basement is important.
8.	Open the windows, weather permitting to freshen the air. Fresh flowers are a good idea, too.

During The Showing

1.	Have as few people as possible in the house when it is shown. This puts buyers at ease and helps them to absorb the advantages of your property. It is best to leave your home when buyers are previewing it.
2.	Pets can be distracting. Try to keep them out of the way - preferably out of the house.
3.	A radio or television diverts the buyer's attention. It is best to have them off when you house is being shown.
4.	Let the sales associate talk. Be polite but do not strike up conversation with the buyers. The sales associate has already given a "build up" on your property and needs all the attention of the buyers to increase their interest.
5.	Let the sales associate show the property. Don't spoil the chance he/she has to "sell" your house by following him/her around. Many sales have been lost due to the over-enthusiasm of an owner trying to "sell" a buyer while previewing a property with a sales associate.
6.	Never apologize for the appearance or condition of your home. It will only call the buyers' attention to something that would probably never have entered their minds.
7.	Don't get involved in a discussion with the customer if he objects or remarks about a room arrangement or other point about your property. The trained sales associate can more easily overcome these objectives.
8.	First sell the house. Don't try to sell the buyers any furniture, rugs or drapes. This complicates the sale and detracts from the interest created in the house. If they desire a carpet or rug, the sales associate will ask you about it.
9.	When showing the house in the evening, be sure the porch lights are on and the house well lit throughout. This will prove especially helpful when there are no wall switches in rooms, or at the stairway leading to the attic or basement.
10.	Do not discuss with the buyers anything concerning price, terms, possession, or attempt to negotiate a preliminary contract of sale.
11.	Try to have your house in order so that it may be shown at any reasonable time. Your cooperation will encourage sales associates to put forth their very best efforts to secure a satisfactory buyer.
12.	If a non-member Board of Realtors broker contacts you, you should refer that broker to your listing Realtor.