1. Preparing for a
Successful Home Sale
Jackie Gammie
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR®

2. Welcome,
I realize that you have a choice when hiring an agent to help you sell your home and I truly
appreciate the opportunity to present my proven approach and the results I’ve achieved for my
clients. As your agent, there are several services you can expect me to provide, including:"
• Accurately pricing your home"
• Enhancing the perceived - and real - value of your home enabling you to command a higher
asking price."
• Providing unmatched marketing including professional staging, photography, video and
custom property web sites."
• Securing a qualified buyer within your specific time frame."
• Helping you avoid the two main reasons sales fall apart - low appraisals and problems with
the home inspection."
Here’s what’s included:!
• A short bio About Me"
• Seller Testimonials"
• Special Report: Top 4 Reasons Homes Don’t Sell"
• Agent Interview Sheet (use this doc if you plan to interview more than one agent!)"
• Top 10 Reasons To Trust the Sale of Your Home to me and my team"
• How I Am Compensated"
• An overview of my Marketing Plan"
• My Top Tips on Preparing Your Home for Sale"
• My Top Tips on Showing Your Home (once we get it on the market!)
"
Very Tr"uly Yours, Jackie " " Jackie Gammie"
Realtor "
Keller Williams Atlanta Partners"
Jackie Gammie, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners"
2220 Wisteria Drive Suite 102 Snellville GA 30078"
Tel: (770) 331-2674 | Fax: (678) 808-1308"

3. About Jackie
After a 25 year career as a specialist in corporate
communications and running my own television
production company I decided it was time for a
career change, so in 2010 I focused my drive and
passion in a new direction and began a career as a
Realtor! I find the same satisfaction and passion
working with my real estate clients as I did with my
corporate clients. I enjoy guiding them through the
complicated process of buying, selling and
marketing their homes and continue to build my
business around their needs. My extensive background as professional television
producer, video editor and graphics designer gives me a firm understanding of the
marketing techniques and tools used in today's real estate market. I attribute my
success as a Realtor to my sphere of influence which includes my fantastic clients and
the support and training I receive from my association with Keller Williams Realty.
My first year in Real estate I was awarded “Rookie of the Year”. I have been a
member of the “Million Dollar Club” every year since and in an office of 200 agents, I
have consistently been a top 20% producer. I have received extensive training through
Keller Williams where I continue to perfect my craft as a Realtor. I am professional in
all my business dealings and pride myself on providing the highest quality customer
service.
I have been a Snellville resident for over 18 years. My two children are graduates of
Brookwood High School where I spent many years as an active member of the
Brookwood Football Touch Down Club and team mom for The Brookwood Golf
Team. I am an active member of my church. I have a wonderful, supportive family
that keeps me busy and makes my life interesting. My son is a graduate of Georgia
Technical Institute and my daughter is an undergraduate at the University of Georgia.
My husband and I are still getting used to our empty nest. I am an avid tennis player
as my husband prefers golf. We enjoy family vacations together anywhere with a
beach! I feel very fortunate to have raised my children in this wonderful community. I
look forward to working very hard for you as YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR!
Now let’s get started!

4. Testimonials
“You are invited to join a long list of sellers who have successfully SOLD their
homes by allowing me to utilize my HIGHLY EFFECTIVE marketing system.
Get the results you’ve been looking for and enjoy the satisfaction of working
with an experienced, competent, hard working Realtor who gets homes SOLD!
Real Results...
Mr and Mrs Ellington
1173 Grassmeade Way
“It pays to work with an agent who knows what they are doing! Jackie worked with us hand and hand to
strategically price our home to sell and sure enough, our first offer was our best! We were under contract in
1 day with a full price offer! She not only got our house sold in record time but she saved us $25,000 on the
home we purchased! Thanks Jackie we will absolutely recommend you to others.
Mrs Bruhns
2621 Stokesley Way
“Jackie is not only my Realtor but a friend and neighbor. She listed my home, brought the buyer and then
worked professionally and diligently with both sides to get my home sold. Thanks Jackie for making it a
quick and easy process ”
Mrs Pustilnik
1320 Red Cedar Trail
“It was a pleasure to work with Jackie to sell my home. I appreciated her professionalism and positive
attitude throughout the process. Because she stayed on top of everything we were able to have everything
done accurately and at a timely manner. She was always available to talk when I had any questions. I will
definitely recommend her to my friends and family.”
Mrs Bennett
2760 Adams Pointe Drive
“Jackie was awesome! She had my home under contract in 3 days! She was very helpful while I was
preparing my home for the market. She was very professional and easy to work with. I will recommend her
to everyone I know!”
Mr Elliot
4138 Suzanne Lane
“Jackie Gammie was extremely professional and personable during the entire process of selling our
beloved Duluth house of 25 years. Because the house had some quirks, and I was living abroad during the
selling process her use of technology especially electronic documents and Skype made the process easy.
There were many bends in the road in preparation and re-mediation, but Jackie was there at each turn,
with good advice, contacts and solutions. The house sold for the price we had sought and in a very fast
turnaround from market placement to closing. Thanks Jackie!
Ms Lewis
543 Johannah Place
“Well what can I say. At the time I sold my home I was very distressed due to a family illness. Jackie took
me by the hand and lead me through the process of selling my home with little stress. I was also located
out of state, she oversaw the preparation for market, the sale and all negotiations. The closing went very
smoothly.

5. — S P E C I A L R E P O R T — !
Top 4 Reasons Homes Don’t Sell!
1. Poor Marketing
Gone are the days when an agent could simply place your listing with the local
multiple listing service, stick a sign in the yard, and wait for another agent to "
bring forth a buyer. In the past 7 years computers and the internet have changed the face of real "
estate. Most agents haven’t kept up. According to the National Association of Realtors (2013 study), "
90% of all home buyers now use the Internet for house hunting. Top listing agents like Jackie are "
computer-savvy, putting listings on lots of web sites, a particular benefit when working with out-of-town "
buyers. Believe it or not, less than 7% of agents are trained in the fine art of sales and marketing. "
There are those who rely on a yard sign to do their work for them, and those that put a lot of effort into "
marketing their listings. In communications and marketing for over 25 years, Jackie implements "
sensational, effective marketing plans for all of her listings."
2. Bad Photos
You might be surprised how many buyers say ‘NO!’ to houses simply because of"
poor photos used in ads, internet or on the Multiple Listing Service. It’s even more
amazing that agents let them discard a house based on that criteria, but it happens all the time.
Good photos are not always easy to get. The sun isn’t always in an ideal position for the photo.
The agent might not be capable of taking a good picture, or is just plain lazy. Make sure the
house is well represented in all photographs. Jackie provides amazing professional photos with
attention to detail that will work to get your home SOLD!
3. You Had A Lousy Agent
Yep, they exist: Real estate agents who mislead, misfire and misbehave. "
Their bad advice can cost you plenty in time, money and the sheer hassle of keeping"
the place show-ready 24/7. The wrong agent will misrepresent (“Here’s what I can get "
for you if you list with me!”), not market it properly, fail to screen for qualified buyers, be unresponsive "
to interest from other agents and keep you totally in the dark throughout the process. What’s more, if "
your agent is abrasive, arrogant or simply unknowledgeable, other agents may not want the hassle of "
showing any of their listings to prospective buyers. Jackie is well liked and well respected by agents in "
the real estate community and will work hard to get YOU the best price in the least amount of time. "
Plus you’ll get feedback on every showing, and great communication!
4. Pricing
Some home sellers want to price their homes above market value, because they think
the cushion gives them more negotiating room. But what overpricing actually does is "
eliminate potential buyers. Others price their homes too low, causing potential buyers to wonder "
‘what’s wrong with it?’. Jackie will work with you to get the most money in the least amount of time.
LIST WITH JACKIE & CONSIDER IT SOLD!"
www.jackiegammie.com (770)331-2674

6. THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK ANY!
AGENT BEFORE YOU LIST YOUR HOME!
NOTE: You should ask these questions over the phone!
BEFORE you agree to meet with the agent!*
Question
Jackie’s !
Answer
Other Agent’s !
Answer
Correct Answer
Did agent give the !
correct answer?
What % of "
the asking price"
do you average "
on your listings?
98.4% !
of asking price
should be at least"
96% or more
does agent get "
at least 96% "
of asking price?
What's the average "
number of days "
it takes you "
to sell a home?
35 days or less
should be 40 days"
or less
is their average "
days on market "
less than 40?
Do you have a team "
or do you work alone?
I work with sellers !
one on one to provide !
personal attention
I will not turn you "
over to my team, "
you deserve "
personal attention
Does the agent "
have a team of"
5 or more members?
What percentage "
of your sales "
are listings?
80% Listings!
I specialize !
in listing property
Should be 80% "
or more listings
Does 80% "
of agent’s sales "
consist of listings?
Will you help me find"
professionals to "
help me with "
my home?
I provide all !
my sellers with my!
personal vendors list
I have professionals "
available to help you
Will agent help you"
with vendors "
who can prepare "
your home for market?
Do you sell real estate"
full time or do you "
work another job?
Full Time Should be full time
Does agent "
sell real estate "
full time?
Can you show me "
your marketing plan "
for my home?
Yes! !
I have an unbeatable !
plan for getting !
your home SOLD!
Agent should have a "
comprehensive "
marketing plan
Does agent have a"
comprehensive "
marketing plan?
How long "
have you "
been a Realtor?
Full time Realtor !
for 3 years!
awarded !
“Rookie of the Year”!
Should be a "
full time agent "
for at least 3 years.
Does agent work "
full time as a Realtor "
with at least 3 years "
of experience?
Do you use "
social media, internet "
and other up-to-date "
marketing platforms?
Jackie has spent !
25 years in marketing, !
web design, !
graphics, video
Computer savvy, "
understands online "
and social "
media marketing
Is agent comfortable"
with up-to-date "
marketing technology?
Why should I"
hire you over the "
competition?
Excellent negotiator!
Knows your market!
Always available!
Experienced marketer!
Gets results
Excellent negotiator"
Knows your market"
Always available"
Experienced marketer"
Gets results
Did agent provide "
you with good reasons "
why to hire them?
The sale of your home is one of the largest financial transactions of your life. This interview will help you avoid choosing the wrong agent. Before
agreeing to meet with an agent, simply let them know that you have a few questions you'd like to ask before agreeing to meet.

7. TOP 10 REASONS
To Trust The Sale
Of Your Home To Jackie
1.Jackie knows Gwinnett. "
Jackie has worked and lived in the "
Gwinnett area since 1994 and is "
intimately familiar with the market here.
6. Jackie is well trained as a Realtor®. !
Keller Williams Realty requires all of their "
agents to be Realtors® not just agents. "
Realtors are held to a higher standard "
of service and ethics.
2. Jackie nets you more. "
While many agent's listings sell for less"
than 94% of asking price, Jackie gets her "
sellers an average of 98.4% of list price.
7. Jackie is tech savvy! !
Jackie has a 25 year background as a "
corporate website, video and graphics "
designer. She understands today’s marketing "
platforms such as social media, the internet "
and video.
3. More marketing for your listing.
As a corporate marketing professional, "
Jackie knows how to create exposure "
for your home. Jackie implements a "
strategic marketing plan for your home, "
including placement on more than "
500 websites.
8. Jackie is a full-time Realtor® !
You'll be surprised to know how many agents "
in the Gwinnett area only dabble in real estate "
part-time. Would you trust a part-time attorney "
with an important case? Jackie sells real estate "
full time, with a steadfast focus on the"
successful sale of your home.
4. Jackie focuses on sellers. "
While many agents focus on working "
with buyers, nearly 80% of Jackie’s "
business is working with sellers. "
This unique skill set maximizes "
your success.
9. Jackie has the experience you need.!
Jackie has been a full time Realtor for more "
than 3 years. In her first year as a Realtor she "
was awarded “Rookie of the Year” and "
continues to be a top 20% producer in her "
office of 200 agents!
5. You get Jackie's entire team !
for the same price. "
You get the benefits of a team with "
the individual service you expect. "
Jackie does not list your home and then"
turn you over to her team. She will be "
with you every step of the way so you can "
feel confident when you hire Jackie, "
you will be working with Jackie.
10. Jackie founded her business !
on the principles of trust and honesty. !
Jackie understands the importance of having "
integrity and always doing the right thing, and "
putting her clients needs first. She believes that "
her success is ultimately determined by the "
legacy she leaves with each client she serves.

8. How I Am Compensated
NO SALARY- I work strictly on a commission/brokerage - fee basis, and am not
paid a salary of any kind.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR- I am an independent contractor, and am only
paid when a transaction is closed and the title is transferred.
DIVISION OF BROKERAGE FEES – When I earn a brokerage fee, it is first
divided between real estate companies in the transaction. Then the
company’s share is divided between our local franchise (Keller Williams,
Atlanta Partners) and us.
OVERHEAD – Keller Williams, Atlanta Partners and its professional associates
incur expenses and overhead, just like any other business or independent
contractor.
TAXES/LICENSE FEES – Like all U.S. citizens, we must pay taxes (Federal
and State), FICA, and any other obligations as self-employed
professionals, including but not limited to, state licensing tax, Board of
Realtors® membership dues and continuing education fees.
EXPENSES – We also incur marketing, promotion and operating expenses,
above and beyond what Keller Williams Realty, Atlanta Partners provides.
TIME – When I am working for you, I am investing my time to help you sell or
acquire property. Since time is our greatest commodity, your loyalty to me
is highly regarded.
SATISFACTION – Your satisfaction is evidenced by referrals of friends and
family, and is the ultimate compliment and sign of gratitude that you might
demonstrate.
I will continually strive to provide you with the highest quality personal
service and offer every technological advantage that you expect.
Your Loyalty and Business are Greatly Appreciated!
Sincerely,
Jackie

9. How Homes Sell
UNDERSTANDING HOW BUYERS EVALUATE HOMES"
The marketing I will do to promote your home has only one
purpose - to increase awareness among potential buyers
leading to in-person showings."
Once buyers reach your front door, the job of marketing is
over. Your home must now compete with other homes in two
areas; Features and Price."
If your home has more features that appeal to buyers - or
your home is priced lower than comparable homes - your
home will stand out as the better value."
Conversely, if your home lacks the features that potential
buyers desire, your only option is to compete on price."
To be effective, your home should stand out as one of the top
two to three best values in your immediate market place."

10. Price
UNDERSTANDING HOW BUYERS EVALUATE HOMES"
Pricing your home accurately is the most effective way to
ensure a successful sale. Allow me to repeat that -
pricing your home accurately is the most effective way to
ensure a successful sale."
"
No amount of marketing can sell an overpriced home."
"
Many sellers are tempted to list their home with the
agent who quotes the highest price."
"
Please keep in mind, the agent doesn’t set the price, the
seller doesn’t set the price - the market will set the price,
or value, for your home."
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE MARKET VALUE!
• Supply & Demand"
• Economic Condition"
• Asking & selling prices of competing homes"
• Your homes condition"
• Buyers perception of your home
FACTORS THAT LITTLE OR NO INFLUENCE MARKET VALUE"
• The price the seller paid for the house"
• The sellers expected net proceeds"
• The amount spent on improvements

11. Price
PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL"
The most effective method of pricing your home is to
have a professional appraisal.
"
" •" You receive an unbiased, third party opinion of the
market value of your home by a trained professional. "
" •" You are positioned to quickly recognize and respond
to a market offer. "
" •" You are positioned to effectively challenge a low
lender’s appraisal of your home, maintaining your
higher contract price. A lender will consider a well-known
appraisers valuation - they will not consider
an estimate provided by a real estate agent. "
" •" You avoid the common practice of a real estate
agent “buying your listing” by suggesting a higher
price than can be achieved. Because the agent
would then be reluctant to suggest a price reduction
early in the marketing process, you lose valuable
Having a pre-listing appraisal not only helped us sell our
home faster, but we saved over $10,000 by using our
appraisal to successfully challenge the low lenders
appraisal. That savings more than covered Jackie’s fee!
"
John Elliot-
4138 Suzanne Lane

12. Condition
PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE"
With the typical agent, you only discover potential
deal-killing repairs after you are already under contract
- when the buyer hires a home inspector to scrutinize
every aspect of your home."
Discovering and repairing problems early in the
marketing process places you in control, eliminating
the stress of making repairs on the buyer’s schedule.
Having your house in move-in condition also helps you
avoid delays to closing and demonstrates to buyers,
agents and the buyer’s home inspector that your
house has been very well maintained. We want buyers
to focus on how they would live in your home - not
what they would have to repair."
In a Maritz poll, 63% of buyers "
responded they would pay more for "
a house that is move-in ready.
Additionally, your house will stand out from the
competition as a better value and command a higher
price."
I will also recommend trustworthy, professional
contractors to address any repairs that are needed.
The extent that these repairs are made will directly
affect your listing price. You have the ability to
command a higher asking price, and substantiate it,
when your home is in top condition."

13. Condition
STAGING"
Jackie recognized that the steep drop off in my backyard would not
appeal to buyers seeking a safe backyard for their children to play.
I followed her suggestions and erected a fence and redesigned the
landscaping. An equivalent price reduction would have had no effect
at all. We sold a few weeks later for our full asking price.
Mrs Pustilnik-
1320 Red Cedar Trail
Once we have had your home inspected and made
the necessary repairs we will focus on presentation.
You will only get one opportunity to make a positive
first impression with potential buyers. Well staged
homes look better, photograph better, show better and
sell faster than non-staged homes."
Home staging is not decorating. Decorating appeals to
the person living in the house; staging is positioning
the home to appeal to the psychological needs of
buyers by creating a series of impressions that build
an emotional connection to help buyers imagine living
in the home. An AOL Money & Finance poll revealed
that 87% of respondents said home presentation
makes the difference in most sales."
Also, while many agents overlook the presentation of
your home and push for price reductions, the
problems, whether perceived or real, still exist."

14. Condition
HOME WARRANTY"
While your home is listed with me, it will be covered by a
nationally-recognized home warranty from 2-10. The
benefit to you is that many of the normal day-to-day
repairs are covered under this plan while your home is
listed."
By advertising a comprehensive warranty for your home,
we increase buyer confidence in your home and set you
apart from the competition."

15. Marketing
MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE"
Your home is now priced
accurately and looks
great. Let’s show it off!"
The marketing of your
home will reflect an
established history of
how buyers search for,
and purchase, homes."
My marketing plan
provides multiple
opportunities for buyers
and their agents to find
your listing.
• 95% of buyers use the Internet during their home search. "
" •"85% of all home sales in Atlanta are co-brokered. This
means there is a listing agent who represents you, the
seller, and another agent who represents the buyer of
your home. As a result, marketing to Realtors® is our
most productive activity. "
" •"The most effective way to get the attention of productive
agents and buyers is through accurate pricing and great
photography. "

16. Marketing
MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE"
After your home is staged, the next step is to
have it professionally photographed."
With 95% of buyers using the Internet to search for
homes, professional photography is essential
to any comprehensive marketing plan."
More people will view your home online than will ever
visit it personally. Getting, and holding, their attention
online with professional photography is one way to
increase the probability of an in-person showing."
“Buyers perceive homes with professional
photography to be worth, on average, 12% more
than the actual price.”"
The Wall Street Journal"

17. Marketing
MARKETING YOUR HOME THROUGH !
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICES"
Most agents will use just one MLS listing service
but when you list with me, your home will be
syndicated to three Listing Services. Listing
through our exclusive Keller Williams Listing
Services allows your listing to be distributed to
more than 300 home search websites."
Georgia MLS First MLS
Keller !
Williams LS
25,000 Active "
Listings"
"
#1 Most Visited MLS "
in Georgia w/ 68,000 "
monthly visitors."
"
Actively Markets"
Listings to the Public."
"
Covers the entire"
Metro Atlanta Area
14,760 "
Active Listings"
"
#2 Most Visited MLS "
in Georgia w/ 50,000 "
monthly visitors."
"
Does not market "
listings to the public."
"
Mainly Covers North "
Metro Atlanta Areas
Unique to KW"
""
Allows all "
Keller Williams "
agents to search "
and co-op "
other KW listings."
"
Features listings "
on KW.com

18. Marketing
INTERNET MARKETING
I will place your home on more than 300 of the
world’s leading real estate web sites for unmatched
exposure. Here are just a few of the sites "
where your home will be found. . ."

19. Marketing
INTERNET MARKETING
Your home will be featured on the Keller Williams Realty web site
where it will be seen by 675,000 unique visitors each month."
"
Your home is also directly accessible by more than 600 Leading
Real Estate Companies of the World with affiliates offices across
the country and around the world. Additionally, all open houses are
promoted on our web site, increasing the exposure of your home."

20. Marketing
INTERNET MARKETING
When you list with me, your home will appear as"
a featured property on both of my websites.
Your property will also be presented as a featured
property on all emails campaigns and marketing
materials sent to my extensive buyer client database."
jackiegammie.com
homesforsalegwinnett.com

21. Marketing
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Your home will also be marketed extensively on my
Facebook business page and my YouTube Channel the
world’s leading social media sites. I will market your
home using several proven approaches, including highly-targeted
ads, video, photos and more." "
Facebook represents an opportunity to reach tens of
thousands of local Atlanta residents on a site where they
already spend a lot of time."

22. Marketing
DIRECT MAIL MARKETING
Your home will also be marketed using the latest email
and direct mail technology, announcing your home as just
listed on the market."
"
I will send full color professionally produced “just listed”
post cards and email blasts to area buyers and agents
inviting them to alert their friends, neighbors and clients
that your home is now available for sale.

23. Marketing
CAPTURING DRIVE-BY BUYERS
I will create a custom mobile voice presentation and "
custom web page link for your home that can be "
accessed from any smart phone, "
replacing the need for paper flyers."
"
There are numerous advantages for you;"
" •" Potential buyers are able to immediately access a
detailed description of your home, along with
beautiful photos and video."
" •" Unlike paper flyers, I receive an immediate
notification with the potential buyer’s cell phone
number, allowing me to follow up while the
prospective buyer is still in your neighborhood. With
a paper flyer, we have to wait until they call us - if
they ever do. "
" •" This technology is the flyer box that is never empty.

24. Marketing
A MARKET WITHIN A MARKET
Your home will not only be marketed through universal
channels such as the Internet, print advertising, the Multiple
Listing Service and signage. I will also market internally to
our highly collaborative Keller Williams sales force of more
than 1,000 agents - each with their own connections that
forms a rich source of prospects, buyers and referrals.
This “market within a market” results in the most efficient
transaction environment in Atlanta real estate. In fact, one
out of every six transactions in the Atlanta area involves a
Keller Williams agent.
Furthermore, Keller Williams has the highest market share in
Gwinnett County for every price category.

25. Marketing
INTERACTIVE MOBILE MARKETING
I provide all my clients with my custom Jackie Gammie
mobile search app that can be accessed from any smart
phone.
There are numerous advantages for you;
• With this app, I have another crucial outlet to find
homebuyers. Your home automatically appears in this
GPS-enabled app with a stylish photo gallery and listing
details to showcase your home whether the homebuyer
is searching at home or on the go.
• When a homebuyer requests information about your
home I am immediately notified which allows me to
follow up immediately.
• This technology is the flyer box that is never empty.
Nothing is more frustrating to potential buyers - and
sellers - than an empty flyer box!

26. Service
In addition to the services we’ve covered, you can expect me
to provide the following:"
" •" Attentive one-on-one service. The responsibility of
managing the sale of your home is never passed off to
other agents or assistants. I follow up after every
showing to ensure your home is presented properly and
to gather valuable feedback. "
" •" Regular communications regarding every aspect of my
efforts and the results of those efforts as well as any
changes in the market, including new listings, price
changes of competing homes, sales and how we should
re-position your property to remain competitive. "
" •" Assistance negotiating offers and preparing contracts. "
" •" Attending the closing to ensure all contract provisions
have been met and that you are fully satisfied with the
results of your sale. "

27. Thank You
Thank you for the privilege and opportunity to work
with you. As always, feel free to call me if you have
any questions. I look forward to meeting with you
and helping you achieve a successful sale."
Jackie Gammie
YOUR neighborhood REALTOR
2220 Wisteria Drive "
Suite 102"
Snellville, GA 30078
"
Office: (678) 808-1489"
Cell: (770) 331-2674"
"
realtor@jackiegammie.com"
"
jackiegammie.com"
homesforsalegwinnett.com"

28. Jackie’s Top Tips
For Showing Your Home
When it’s time for buyer’s agents to show your home, all your preparations will
be worth the effort. Here are a few final tips that can add that extra
★The television and radio should be
turned off. Let the buyer’s agent and
buyer talk, free of disturbances.
★Send children and pets outdoors to
play. This will eliminate confusion and
keep the prospect’s attention focused
on your home.
★Be absent during showings. Many
prospects feel like intruders when
owners/occupants are present. They
tend to hurry away, or fail to ask their
agent the questions they’d really like
to ask. Your absence will put buyers at
ease, and give them a chance to spend
more time looking at your home and
absorbing its advantages.
★Leave drapes open for light and
airiness.
★If it’s evening, all lights should be
turned on to give the rooms a larger
appearance and a cheerful effect.
★Be sure the kitchen sink is free of
dishes and rooms are uncluttered.
Make sure trash baskets are empty.
★Make sure rugs are clean and straight.
Set a comfortable temperature. Do a
“once over” cleaning—vacuum, sweep,
and dust.
★Final check every room.
★If you are at home during the showing, be
courteous but don’t force conversation
with the potential buyer. They want to
inspect your house— not pay a social call.
★Open windows to freshen rooms. Set
tables with flowers and linens.
★Never apologize for the appearance of
your home—after all, it has been lived in.
★The buyer’s agent knows the buyer’s
requirements and can better emphasize
the features of your home when you don’t
follow along. You will be called if needed.
★Let Jackie, your Realtor, discuss price,
terms, possession and other factors with
the customer. As a trained negotiator, she
is better qualified to bring negotiations to
a favorable conclusion.
★If buyers just drop by and aren’t
accompanied by a real estate agent, it’s
best not to show your home. Ask for their
names and phone number, and provide it
me for follow-up. I screen calls so you
don’t waste time showing to someone who
isn’t qualified or, worse yet—a potential
burglar.
★I use an electronic key-box system that
agent’s must access in order to obtain the
key. This key-box records which agent
showed your home (and the exact time
and date, so that I can track showings
and request feedback.
Jackie

29. Jackie’s Top Tips
For Preparing Your Home
The First Impression Counts…
Let’s Make it a Positive One!
The most important single reason that a home sells is
its Emotional Appeal. Over 90% of buyers in today’s
market buy on emotion. Looking at your house
through “buyer’s eyes” can help you prepare your
home to sell for the best price, in the least amount of
time. When you begin preparing your home, begin
outside and work y our way in. Make up a “to do” list
as you go along, keeping in mind the importance of
first impressions.
"
EXTERIOR TIPS
It’s estimated that more than half of all houses are sold
before buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across
the street from your home and review its “curb
appeal”. What can you do to improve the very first
impression?
★Keep sidewalks and patios hosed off. Hose down
house siding to remove cobwebs and dirt. Hose
down your garage and clean your driveway of
any grease spots. A garage can be an important
selling point for your home, and a good spraying
with a garden hose and just a drop of industrial
strength cleaner can make a big difference.
★Mow, trim, weed, and water lawns and gardens.
Add a fresh layer of mulch or gravel if needed
and plant flowers for color.
★The front door is one of the first things
prospective buyers see. If it shows signs of wear
clean it, stain, it, or paint it.
★Make sure the doorbell and porch lights work.
★Remove trash and debris from the yard and
around house.
★Remove extra vehicles from view.
★Repair any fences or gates.
★Remove holiday lights that may still be hanging.
★Paint exterior window sashes, trim, and shutters
painting the entire exterior can be an expensive
and unnecessary venture — unless there is bad
blistering or peeling.
★Apply fresh paint to wooden fences
★Buy a new welcome mat
★Place potted flowers near the door
★Clean windows inside and out
★Power wash the home’s exterior
★Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached
and functioning
"
INTERIOR TIPS
When showing your home to prospective buyers you
want to make everything look spacious, organized,
bright, warm, and “homey.” Start with a full
housecleaning from top to bottom.Don’t let dirt and
clutter obscure your home’s good points. A clean home
will sell a lot faster than a dirty one.
Be sure walls are clean and free of dirt and fingerprints
consider a fresh coat of paint if washing doesn’t do the
trick.
★Wash all windows and sills.
★Curtains and drapes should be freshly cleaned.
★Arrange furniture to make rooms appear spacious and
attractive.
★Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove
anything that interrupts the flow or makes the room
appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to
move the items off-site.
★Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans
★Have carpets cleaned
★Make minor repairs
★Replace any burned out light bulbs. You can make
rooms seem warmer and brighter by using high
intensity light bulbs that give the house a warm glow.
★Discard or replace any dying houseplants.
"
KITCHEN & BATH TIPS
The bathrooms and kitchen are focal points for most
buyers. Be sure those rooms are clean and clear of
clutter.
★Clear extra appliances, accessories, etc. from counters.
★ Polish sinks and remove stains.
★Clean appliances thoroughly inside and out.

30. ★Polish all brass and chrome
fixtures.
★Polish mirrors so they sparkle.
★Scrub and wax floors.
★Have carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized.
★Clean and deodorize garbage areas.
★Clean sliding door track so that the door moves quietly
and smoothly.
"
REPAIRING TIPS
Making little repairs can make a big difference.
Although many families learn to live with a broken
doorknob or a cracked window—all of these little things
should be fixed when selling your home. The savvy
homeowner concentrates his efforts on cosmetic repairs
that cost relatively little but return a lot on the
investment (don’t forget those first impressions!).
★Repair leaking faucets, running toilets, grout, and
caulking as needed.
★Replace any cracked windows and torn screens.
★Patch and paint wall and ceiling cracks.
★Repair or replace loose doorknobs, drawer pulls,
sticking doors and windows, warped drawers, cabinet
handles, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.
★Tack down any loose molding and glue down any lifted
wallpaper.
"
NEUTRALIZING
Try to create an appearance that allows the buyers to
picture themselves living there. Neutral paint, décor and
carpeting create a home for any life style.
★Eliminate distracting colors and accessories so that
buyers can concentrate on positive impressions.
★Brighten things with fresh paint. White, off white, or
beige walls make a room look bigger and lighter.
Interior painting costs very little, and it can make a
big difference in buyer perception—so go ahead and
do it.
"
DON’T OVER IMPROVE
Preparing your home for sale doesn’t need to be
expensive or time-consuming, as long as you keep up
with normal
maintenance. In the event you do not have the time to do
the cleaning or repair work, consider hiring a
professional: it could save you time and money later. And
a few hundred dollars well spent can be the best
investment you’ll ever make. Remember, you need to
think like a buyer now and have a critical eye.
★Straighten and remove excess papers from kitchen
memo area.
★Clean out your cabinets and drawers and add shelf
paper and utensil trays to make them look as
organized as possible.
★Buy a new shower curtain.
"
DE-CLUTTERING TIPS
Eliminating clutter will give your home a more
spacious look. By removing or storing things you don’t
need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will
be inviting to prospective buyers. If a house is too
cluttered, buyers have trouble imagining themselves
and their belongings in it. Remember, when in doubt
move it out!
★Clean out closets to display their roominess.
★Prospective buyers love to inspect for storage space,
so it’s important to make whatever closets you have
look as spacious as possible. Another trick is to clear
the floor space in closets. This simple strategy will
make the closet ‘appear’ as large as possible.
★Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and other
objects are neatly arranged. If something you have
stored away hasn’t been worn or used in the last
year, chances are it never will be. Give it away, sell it,
or pack it neatly in a box and store it in the garage.
★Have a garage sale! Not only will you be reducing
clutter, but you can use the money you earn to
finance your touch-ups.
★Straighten bookshelves and remove unnecessary
papers from coffee tables.
★In children’s rooms, straighten or store extra toys
and remove distracting posters. Arrange toys to look
fun and inviting, open a book on a night stand, add a
flowering plant and arrange decorative pillows or
shams on the bed.
★If you have a spare room or storage area, turn it into
an area with a purpose. If it’s too small to be a
bedroom, turn it into a hobby center, study or office.
★Again, consider renting storage space to move out
items you won’t need before you move.
"
CLEANING TIPS
When a home is clean, it gives the impression that it
has been well cared for. Some fresh paint and a one-time
professional cleaning service can make your
house look like new.
★Be sure every room smells as good as it looks,
★paying special attention to pet areas, children’s
★nurseries and bathrooms. Jackie