No. 1
Keep the house show-ready
A clean, uncluttered house makes the first impression you want. The right buyer might call for a showing this afternoon.
Every seller should know
Ten do's and don'ts.
What we tell every seller before the sign goes in the yard.
Do
Ten habits that move a houseNo. 2
Say yes to showings
The easier your house is to see, the more chances you get at a strong offer.
No. 3
Step out while buyers are in
Buyers need room to picture their own furniture in your rooms, and they will not do that with you standing there.
No. 4
Stay on top of the small stuff
Mow, water the plants, pick up after the dog, swap out dead bulbs, change the air filters, and keep the place smelling like nothing in particular.
No. 5
Lock up anything valuable
Jewelry, cash, prescriptions, firearms, financial paperwork, and family heirlooms all belong somewhere secure.
No. 6
Let us run the negotiation
No two offers are alike, and price is only one line of many. We’ll take you through pricing, counters, inspections, appraisals, and contingencies so the outcome lands where you want it.
No. 7
Price it right on day one
Your first few weeks on the market are when the most eyes are on the house. Getting the number right at the start brings in more qualified buyers and usually better offers.
No. 8
Keep us in the loop
A repair issue, a schedule change, a nosy question from a neighbor. Whatever comes up, tell Ray or Rhonda right away. Surprises are what derail deals.
No. 9
Leave the utilities on
Buyers expect every system to run during the inspection and the final walkthrough, so nothing gets shut off before closing. We also push hard for a seller’s home warranty. If the air conditioner, water heater, or a covered appliance quits while you’re listed, the warranty may cover it and save you thousands while keeping the sale on track. Electricity, water, gas, internet, landscaping, pool service, and homeowner’s insurance all stay active until closing. The house is yours until the sale records.
No. 10
Trust the process
Selling takes a while, and every showing, inspection, and counter moves you closer to the closing table. Ray and Rhonda will tell you the truth about where things stand and keep you posted from list date to close.
Don't
The same ten, from the other sideNo. 1
Leave dishes in the sink, laundry piled up, or trash cans overflowing.
No. 2
Narrow the showing window unless you truly have no choice.
No. 3
Stay home, trail buyers from room to room, or listen in on their conversations.
No. 4
Let small maintenance items pile up into distractions, or let the weeds take over and the grass die.
No. 5
Leave valuables sitting out during a showing or an open house.
No. 6
Talk to buyers directly or counter anything without running it past Ray or Rhonda first.
No. 7
Test the market with a number nobody will pay. Houses that sit too long tend to sell for less than they would have at the right price.
No. 8
Sit on a problem until the last minute, or start repairs without checking with us first.
No. 9
Shut off utilities, cancel your homeowner’s insurance, or drop essential services before the sale is complete.
No. 10
Panic when the first week goes by without an offer. Right price, right marketing, and a little patience is what produces the best result.
Pelland Realtors' Advice
Make it easy for a buyer to fall for your house. That's the whole game. Every showing is a chance you don't get back, and the small things are usually what tip it. Prepare well, stay flexible, lean on us, and you give yourself the best shot at the strongest offer on the table.
Bonus tips
Crate the pets or take them with you during showings.
Lights on, blinds open, before you walk out the door.
Skip the strong-smelling cooking on showing days.
Set the thermostat somewhere comfortable.
Keep offers and pricing between us, not the neighbors.
Carry your homeowner’s insurance until the transaction records.
Send every buyer question straight to your REALTOR®.