Preparing Your Home

Now, more than ever before, a property that is well priced, well maintained and puts its best "face" forward is much more apt to get more showings and ultimately sell faster for a higher selling price. View your property through the eyes of potential buyers, and no rose colored glasses. Be willing to ask for and receive honest recommendations from your agent, you will both be much happier with the results. As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly- you only get one chance to make a first impression.

• Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged- cut down dead plants, bushes, etc.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.

• Put new paint on the front door.
• Check to be sure lights are cleaned and working
• Doorbell should work if there is one

The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.

• Check for and repair leaky faucet and leaky sink
• Clean off window sills, countertops, backsplashes
• Clean off all appliances and remove smaller ones from countertops
• Check for stale cooking odors- fresh cinnamon smells are a real winner

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

• Scrub that tub or shower. Sparkly sells!
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Be sure hanging towels are clean
• Remove stains from toilets and sinks.
• Use air freshener.

The living room, great room & family room

• Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork, vacuum rugs
• Wash windows, clean around sills, door frames or sliders

Bedrooms

• Bed linens should look fresh and clean and beds made
• Clean windows, sills, door frames, floors or carpet
• Check for stuffy smelling closets- add air fresheners as needed

Don't forget the basement and garage, if you have one.

• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.