MARYLAND 8-23-21

MARYLAND EDITION

By the Numbers:

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage

BEYOND

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING:

What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO

CONVERTING INTERNET LEADS TO REAL LIFE SALES FEATURED AGENT

LIZ ANCEL

COVER STORY

ANNE WING

MARYLAND EDITION

LIZ ANCEL

2

A Baltimore resident, Liz Ancel began matters most to m 9 21 her career in real estate after graduatguide our process.” ing from college. Liz found that Real Liz also has an ext Estate was a business that complimented buyers, ensuring tha her adaptable personality and entreprethe right home for t neurial spirit. Since then, she has worked personalized appro her way up through the industry, establishexcellent reputation ing an accomplished career as a Realtor as evidenced by he and leaving a network of satisfied clients clients and referrals all throughout Maryland. Today, Liz is an WING where LIZ ANCEL to 100 transactions agent for Cummings &ANNE Co. Realtors to work tirelessly f she assists clients throughout Baltimore less work ethic is City, Baltimore County, and the surroundthat sets her apart ing areas. Five years ago, Liz met Jennifer easy to communica Reitz who quickly became a key CONTENTS element know they can rea and a wonderful addition to the team.

I make every buyer o “Jenn a fabulous quality agent who has helped take TOimportantly, 4) Ais STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 15) HOW OVERCOME my only client.” thisTO business to the nextINTERNET level.” Alongside herYOUR team, she CONVERTING WORKPLACE FEARS hasLEADS established a boutique TO REAL LIFE process SALES to meet the demands 17) BY THE NUMBERS: Outside her career, Liz is de of her Real Estate Business.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE community.

In addition to serv 6) BEYOND CLEANING AND VALUE OF SQUARE FOOTAGE Neighborhood Association of When listing a property, Liz utilizes a comprehensive DECLUTTERING: WHAT IMclient appreciation events which strategy.

Initially, EXPENSES she helps her clients fully prepare PROVEMENT MAKE 22) THINKING forOF TotsLISTING? during the holiday seaso their home for the market, starting with a consultation THE MOST SENSE? NINE WAYS TO GET READY her husband are race horse ow and list of recommendations, then providing them with pastime, and enjoy participati a suite of professional photography, videography and Maryland, Kentucky, Florida, print services. As a Zillow Premier Agent, she shares she also advocates for the prope her listings through a blend of targeted digital and social Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 animals in the racing community media campaigns, as well as via e-blasts, signage and mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com mailers to the surrounding neighborhoods and to all No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent is published byclients.

Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions arethe taken to ensure the accuracy of published Looking ahead, Liz has exciting ofMagazine her previous Moreover, she leverages materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. the Real Estate volume maintains powerful resources through Cummings & Co. to give To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. intends on adding on to her team each seller Published in thean U.S.added advantage. dards of service to further assist h In the meantime, she is excited Above all, Liz listens to her clients and takes into Top Agent Magazine tunities and connections that aw consideration their distinct needs. “Every client is

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

A Step-by-Step Guide to

Converting Internet Leads to Real Life Sales In the era of apps, instantaneous social platforms, and text messaging, it’s little surprise that the modern homebuyer begins his or her search for real estate representation online.

Even if you’ve got a top-notch website or an influential social media presence, how do you connect with web surfers who have yet to commit to the services you offer? Take a look below to learn a few key techniques to bridge the gap between digital interest and real-world sales.

4

RESPONSIVENESS IS KEY Like it or not, our digital culture relishes immediacy and instant gratification. With that in mind, be sure to stay on top of online interest forms, e-mails, or newsletter signups. Don’t let an online lead go to waste by taking too long to engage and follow-up.

Things move fast, and it’s easy for potential clientele to forget which websites they’ve visited. Even if your lead isn’t ready to commit then and there, you demonstrate your

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business. accessibility and attentiveness by following up swiftly—a characteristic anyone would seek in an agent or lender.

ENGAGE WITH OPEN-ENDED CONVERSATION When online back-and-forth goes stale, communication drops off quickly. If you’re following up via e-mail, social media, or text, be sure to keep topics focused squarely on the potential client. Ask open-ended questions to give your lead the opportunity to loosen up and engage on a personal level. There’s no better way to cement a digital lead than to take a pointed interest in the specifics of their situation. Doing so transforms the impersonal invisibility of the internet into a true connection.

GIVE ADDED VALUE Plenty of businesses send impersonal, automated messages in response to an online inquiry, but establishing a true connection may mean providing your lead with something of value. Perhaps you’re forwarding a property for sale that fits the interests of your lead, or a relevant article, or maybe you take the time to send a personal message—demonstrable value and a personal touch separate your follow-up response from spam. Other ideas to consider when Top Agent Magazine

adding value to your follow-up technique: incorporate area promotions and access to local events, make a date for coffee, or offer a brief consultation free of charge to make the first move.

DON’T STOP MAKING CONTACT If you don’t connect with your internet lead right off the bat—don’t be discouraged. It often takes multiple tries before a follow-up interaction sticks. Folks are busy and frequently flooded with e-mail blasts and junk mail. A lead may not engage without a little prodding that shows you’re committed to their business. Remember: it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Digital leads don’t have to be difficult to capture. The internet plays a powerful role in funneling modern clientele your way, but in order to take full advantage of the web’s reach, you’ll need to tailor your follow-up technique. Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business. Keep these tips top-of-mind as you build your online presence and mine the vast world wide web for an endless wealth of clientele. Earning a command of digital lead conversion is the surest way to bolster your business in the ever-evolving digital era.

Top Agent Magazine

5

Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 6

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

Top Agent Magazine

with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

Top Agent Magazine ®

7

Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

8

Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

ANNE WING Top Agent Magazine

9

In her work as an associate broker with Century 21 New Millennium, Top Agent Anne Wing strives to provide her clients with the highest quality service available. realized this was something I wanted to try myself.”

ANNE WING For Anne Wing, becoming a Realtor seemed like the natural thing to do.

Both of her parents were agents for 40 years, and she learned much from them long before getting her license. “I used to listen to them talk about work all the time, and when I was older I worked as an assistant in their office. I eventually 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

That move paid off well. Anne has now been serving Crownsville, Maryland and the surrounding area for 27 years, and has arrived at that coveted point in a Realtor’s career where repeat clients and referrals are 100 percent of her business.

“People know me, and they know my family, so they trust me. I’m now selling homes to the grandchildren of previous clients.”

In her work as an associate broker with Century 21 New Millennium, Anne strives to provide her clients with the highest quality service available. The advantages of working with Anne are Top Agent Magazine

substantial, especially when you consider that her clients get all of the local knowledge of a lifelong resident together with the recognition and resources of a power brand like Century 21. Add to that her excellent communication and negotiating skills, and you’ve got everything you Top Agent Magazine

could ask for in an agent. She’s earned a number of awards over the last two years alone. In 2019 she was named a Quality Service Producer and one of the Top 100 Century 21 Agents in Maryland. She was listed among the Top 50 Century 21 Agents in Maryland in 2020, as well as 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

In 2019 Anne was named a Quality Service Producer and one of the Top 100 Century 21 Agents in Maryland.

She was listed among the Top 50 Century 21 Agents in Maryland in 2020, as well as being named a Masters Emerald Producer and Quality Service Pinnacle Producer. being named a Masters Emerald Producer and Quality Service Pinnacle Producer.

As impressive as those awards are, they don’t speak to Anne’s excellence anywhere near as forcefully as her clients. As one couple wrote, “After our first meeting, we knew she was the right person due Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

to her easy going yet friendly demeanor and confidence in her ability to sell the property….She was instrumental in keeping us updated on all aspects of the marketing process as well as explaining things to first time sellers as to mitigate stress levels. She was also great during the negotiations of the asking price.”

Top Agent Magazine

Anne stays in touch with clients far beyond the closing table too. It’s easy—she’s their neighbor. “I walk my dogs through the community twice a day, so they see me regularly. Maybe more than they want to,” she laughs. Anne also reaches out frequently through social media or cards on holidays or special occasions.

Top Agent Magazine

She’s very involved with her church as well, and has given uncounted hours of her time to helping people recover from substance abuse and other addictions. She’s been with the Twelve Step Fellowship for 33 years. “I helped establish the South Shore Recovery Club 28 years ago, and served on the board of Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

directors for many of those years,” she says. When she’s not working or donating her time, Anne loves playing with her grandchildren and taking them to church.

She also enjoys art.

Going forward, she would like to expand the area she serves farther out from her Crownsville hub. “I’ve enjoyed the friends I’ve made while helping people find their home. That’s very precious to me, and I’d like more such opportunities.”

To learn more about Anne Wing, please call 410-320-6274 or email Annesellscrownsville@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Top Agent Magazine

How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

1

ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

2

TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

3

THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad Top Agent Magazine

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world.

Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

4

COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

5

START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence.

A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

Top Agent Magazine

15

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

16

Top Agent Magazine

By the Numbers:

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage Measuring the square footage of a property may seem like an objective and straightforward task, but you’d be surprised at how many agents and homebuyers misunderstand this pivotal figure.

True square footage provides homebuyers a concrete understanding of their prospective domain, but here’s the problem: the rules to determine a home’s square footage are not always uniform across the board. What’s more, much of Top Agent Magazine

a home’s value is determined by its size, so accuracy is certainly important. While many real estate agents have their own systems for determining or confirming a home’s true square footage, it doesn’t hurt to update your practices and become an expert on the subject. After all, you may learn a few techniques that could add value to a listing, or better prepare you in guiding house-hunters on the lookout.

Top Agent Magazine ®

17

1. Do your due diligence Most towns and cities have a local records department where floorplans and blueprints are kept on file. It’s worth noting that these records don’t typically include any subsequent additions or remodels on a property, but they still give archive hunters a legal baseline when outlining a property’s square footage. Oftentimes, a straightforward online search of a city or county’s records office can pull the information necessary, or else agents can poke around in person to uncover informative blueprints at the records office. Either way, access to original blueprints or floorplans is a great tool for determining livable square footage. As a bonus,

18

original blueprints and floorplans—especially in historic properties—can be intriguing visual aids for prospective buyers, as well.

2. Know the rules While there aren’t universal standards when it comes to measuring square footage, there are general guidelines that can help determine square footage in an authentic way. Per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), here are the official recommendations for measuring a home’s real square footage: n

Called “below grade spaces,” basements and sunrooms beyond a home’s typical

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

living quarters do not count toward a home’s true square footage. According to ANSI, even big draws like finished basements don’t count toward a property’s Gross Living Area. Of course, even below grade spaces have their own desirable value and should be outlined as such on listings. n

n

Did you know the space inside closets and on stairways counts toward a home’s square footage? Even if these areas are relatively small, they still add to a property’s calculable square footage.

When recording square footage, ANSI actually suggests performing measurements from a property’s exterior—though this method does not account for the

Top Agent Magazine

thickness of exterior walls, which could skew square footage numbers. n

Just like below grade spaces, a garage, a pool house, or even a guest house should not be included in a property’s Gross Living Area. The rationale at work here is this: if you must go outside to access additional living areas, then they are beyond the square footage scope of the primary dwelling and should not be included in a home’s Gross Living Area.

3. Double-check by doing the dirty work Buyers and sellers have or will make a sizable investment in a property, so isn’t it fair to double-check all the relevant facts and figures

Top Agent Magazine ®

19

when it comes to true square footage? If you want to take on the endeavor yourself, here are a few helpful steps to take. n

First, you’ll need a few things to get started, including a tape measure that can measure at least 100 ft., graph paper, and a pencil.

n

Next, choose a room to start measuring wall-by-wall. Measure Wall 1, then proceed to assign each square on the gridded paper a corresponding measurement, rounding to the nearest tenth of a foot for the sake of clarity.

n

From there, draw out the wall you measured and measure the remaining walls in the

20

room. Once you’ve completed the room’s measurements, multiply the room’s length and width to determine its square footage. n

As you go measure throughout the home, using your own system to scale, you will construct a failsafe floorplan.

Mastering your craft is everything, and the real estate industry is no different. Every now and again, it’s worthwhile to update your well of information, take matters into your own hands, and continue to innovate with the industry. While square footage may not seem like the juiciest starting off point for such a venture, never forget: mastery of technical knowledge is a sure sign of expertise.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

LIZ ANCEL A Baltimore resident, Liz Ancel began her career in real estate after graduating from college. Liz found that Real Estate was a business that complimented her adaptable personality and entrepreneurial spirit. Since then, she has worked her way up through the industry, establishing an accomplished career as a Realtor and leaving a network of satisfied clients all throughout Maryland. Today, Liz is an agent for Cummings & Co. Realtors where she assists clients throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and the surrounding areas. Five years ago, Liz met Jennifer Reitz who quickly became a key element and a wonderful addition to the team.

“Jenn is a fabulous quality agent who has helped take this business to the next level.” Alongside her team, she has established a boutique process to meet the demands of her Real Estate Business.

When listing a property, Liz utilizes a comprehensive strategy. Initially, she helps her clients fully prepare their home for the market, starting with a consultation and list of recommendations, then providing them with a suite of professional photography, videography and print services. As a Zillow Premier Agent, she shares her listings through a blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns, as well as via e-blasts, signage and mailers to the surrounding neighborhoods and to all of her previous clients. Moreover, she leverages the powerful resources through Cummings & Co. to give each seller an added advantage.

Above all, Liz listens to her clients and takes into consideration their distinct needs. “Every client is different,” she says. “As their Real Estate Agent, I strive to know exactly how each client likes to communicate and I take the time to listen to their key points. It is not a one-size-fits-all business. Instead, I want to know what

matters most to my clients and let that guide our process.”

Liz also has an extensive experience with buyers, ensuring that together they uncover the right home for their best interests. This personalized approach has earned her an excellent reputation throughout Maryland, as evidenced by her strong rate of repeat clients and referrals. While averaging close to 100 transactions annually, she continues to work tirelessly for her clients. Her tireless work ethic is one of the key aspects that sets her apart in this business. “I’m easy to communicate with and my clients know they can reach me anytime. Most importantly, I make every buyer or seller feel as if they’re my only client.”

Outside her career, Liz is deeply involved in her community. In addition to serving on the Little Italy Neighborhood Association of Baltimore, she hosts client appreciation events which help contribute to Toys for Tots during the holiday season. Meanwhile, Liz and her husband are race horse owners, a true Maryland pastime, and enjoy participating in outings across Maryland, Kentucky, Florida, and Delaware, where she also advocates for the proper treatment and care of animals in the racing community.

Looking ahead, Liz has exciting plans for the future. As the Real Estate volume maintains its steady growth, she intends on adding on to her team while scaling her standards of service to further assist her growing client base.

In the meantime, she is excited about the new opportunities and connections that await. “In this business, every day is different,” she says. “But for me, nothing is more exhilarating than spending an afternoon going on appointments, navigating transactions and closing deals for my buyers and sellers.”

To learn more about Liz Ancel, please email elizabethancel@gmail.com, visit cummingsrealtors.com/liz-ancel.php or call (410) 599-4161 www.

Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

Thinking of Listing?

Nine Ways to Get Ready The less time a home spends on the market, the more likely it is to sell at or above list price. That’s why our Top Agents recommend getting a property ready for marketing well before listing. Anyone who is even just starting to think about listing will benefit from some basic upkeep and pre-staging work. Even if you decide now is not the time to list, you’ll enjoy these simple improvements around the home.

With the right local resources, most pre-listing preparations take less than a week and will make the formal staging process simpler for all involved.

Ask Top Agents in your area for referrals of local pros to hire. Once you’ve selected your Top Agent, keep yourself open to his or her opinion on other TLC to help decrease your home’s market time.

1. Inspection: The last thing a seller or buyer wants is a surprise at

inspection. That’s why a complete inspection before listing is so valuable.

Many necessary fixes, such as minor roof or appliance repairs, can be discovered and repaired in less than a week. If inspection uncovers a major issue, any Top Agent will tell you that this knowledge is power; disclosing and expecting to take responsibility will increase buyers’ trust without affecting market time.

2. De-Clutter: Take a little time to pack away surplus furniture items and

extra knick-knacks, papers, books or occasional-use items throughout your house. Remember this may require boxing away video game supplies or packing up comfy throw pillows and blankets. Move these items temporarily into closets, the garage or attic with the assumption of possibly renting a storage unit just before listing.

3. Paint: Whole-house painting is likely not necessary, but consider touching

up baseboard moldings and doorways and open wall spaces in high-use areas 22

Top Agent Magazine

such as bathrooms, the office, family room and indoor recreation spaces.

Also consider a little varnish on the front door or banister.

4. Artwork and Decor: Take a neutral look at your décor. Better yet, ask a

Top Agent to do so. Buyers should be able to picture themselves living in your home. While your Top Agent may not advise you to appear generic, you’ll likely need to thin out any shrine-like displays to family, hobbies or cultural interests.

5. Deep-Clean Housekeeping: After you’ve de-cluttered and touched up

the paint, request a deep cleaning from your housekeeping service and weekly cleanings thereafter. Make sure they pay attention to details like dusting or vacuuming window treatments and lampshades or wiping smudges off door jams and baseboard moldings.

6. Carpets and Rugs: Bring in the pros, but don’t just clean the carpets.

Because the cleaners will be moving furniture anyway, ask them stretch and tighten any buckled areas of carpeting. Doing so now saves the trouble of having to credit your buyer for this following final walk-through. Also consider removing small area rugs to let the beauty of your hardwood floors shine.

7. Look at the Loo: Buyers may not notice a brand-new toilet seat, but they

will turn up their noses at the one with the broken hinges. Freshly replaced toilet seats, faucets or doorknobs in heavily trafficked bathrooms can go a long way in first impressions.

8. “Mow & Blow”: Consider buyers as guests you want to feel welcome

as they ascend the front walk. If you don’t already have one, hire a weekly gardening service to keep up with the mowing, weeding, pruning and basic maintenance outside so you can focus on other things.

9. Staging: Once you’ve selected a staging professional for the finishing

touches, ask them and your Top Agent for final recommendations on day-today upkeep, storage options and what-to-do (or what not to do) while your house is on the market.

Top Agent Magazine

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine