| We all have had the experience of someone | | | | 7. Replace bulbs that don't work and use as much |
| important coming to the house, and whether the visitor | | | | wattage as is appropriate for each fixture. Bright lights |
| is an in-law, old friend, or business associate you know | | | | make homes seem, well, light and airy. Open the blinds |
| the drill: Have the house in "show" condition. | | | | or curtains to create an open and clean feeling, |
| For home sellers the situation is much the same: First | | | | especially during the day in areas which get a lot of |
| impressions count and while you may not be able to | | | | sunshine. Clean windows if necessary. |
| tell a book by its cover, you'll likely pay more for a | | | | 8. "Appeal to the masses." It's not often that you find |
| book if the cover is inviting, alluring and attractive. | | | | another person who enjoys green walls and a blue |
| If your home is for sale or soon to be for sale, in | | | | carpet. If this describes your home and you want it |
| addition to a general cleaning there are 12 steps you | | | | sold quicker, then go neutral. If you have any brightly |
| can take to benefit from that all-important first look: | | | | colored walls or carpeting, consider painting or replacing |
| 1. Start with the outside. Mow the law, prune bushes, | | | | now. Typically a buyer does not want to move into a |
| remove dead branches and get rid of outdoor furniture | | | | home which needs renovation. Leave no excuse for |
| you don't intend to move. You may consider placing a | | | | lower offers. White or light tan colors work wonders! |
| few potted plants with bright color, seasonal flowers at | | | | 9. Is there anything in the house that will surprise |
| the entrance. First impressions matter! If a buyer does | | | | visitors? As an example, mirrors in poorly-lit basements |
| not like what they see from the driveway, they may | | | | can be dangerous. Ensure that carpets are free of |
| not even want to get out of the car. Create a | | | | kinks and trip hazards. Look at the property from the |
| welcoming environment. | | | | perspective of a first-time visitor. Things which are |
| 2. Paint the front door and lintels, or at least clean them | | | | known to you may be uncomfortable to visitors. |
| up. Sweep the front entrance. Throw away a worn | | | | 10. Clean out medicine cabinets. Remove out-of-date |
| welcome mat and replace with a new one if possible. | | | | items. Also, if you have prescription medicines, consider |
| Make sure exterior lights are in working order. | | | | removing them when buyers visit. |
| 3. Check for leaks. A drip may not seem important, but | | | | 11. People have both allergies and concerns when it |
| does it suggest poor maintenance in places which | | | | comes to animals. If you have a pet, make |
| can't be seen? Eliminate buyer worries and fix the little | | | | arrangements to have it elsewhere when a home is |
| items which may be seen as clues relating to the | | | | being shown. Be wary of strongly scented air |
| general condition of the home. Eliminate "inspection | | | | fresheners which may be a nuisance to some. Strive |
| worries" now by having an inspection early on. | | | | for an odor free, clean smelling home. Think "new car" |
| 4. Clean out & organize closets and storage areas. | | | | scent. Open windows when home to keep the air |
| De-clutter! Donate old clothes, books, magazines and | | | | smelling fresh. Use light scents such as vanilla if |
| furniture to local charities. This will create a sense of | | | | needed. Fresh baked cookies before an open house is |
| greater space, mean less to move, and may provide | | | | a please all. Smokers: Outside is the place to be. |
| you with a tax write off. . | | | | 12. Homes in a given location and price range battle for |
| 5. Have a professional service clean your carpets. This | | | | a common pool of buyers. Ask your broker to |
| is especially important if the carpets are to stay. | | | | examine the property for specific showing tips to |
| 6. Caulk around tubs and sinks. New caulk invariably | | | | make your home more competitive so that it will stand |
| looks better than old caulk, and you'll also prevent | | | | out from the others. |
| leaks. Ensure that all sinks, toilets, and bathtubs are | | | | Happy showing! |
| clean and tidy. | | | | |