First Impressions Are Lasting

Make good first impressions. If you live in a single-family home, please evaluate the exterior. Does your home have a good "curb appeal" to a buyer driving through the area? Do you need some colorful plants or some landscaping fill-ins? Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of 
refuse. Make sure the front walkway is swept. The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure that it is fresh, cleaned, and scrubbed looking. Bulbs and lamp fixtures should look clean and in working order.

Let the Sun Shine In

Arrange the shade of drapes to give maximum light. Turn every light on, even during the day. Replace all burned-out bulbs. Let them see how cheerful your home can be.

Small Repairs Make A Big Difference

Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, badly cracked plaster, and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. Many buyers believe there will be ten problems they have not noticed for every one they do see.

Paint For A Quick Sale

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. You cannot find a better investment when you are selling a house than a few cans of paint.

Make Closets Look Bigger

Neat, well-ordered closets show space in ample space. Remove all unnecessary accumulations from closets, the garage, and all rooms. Remove excess furniture. Your home will appear much larger than it actually is.

Is Your Age Showing?

Sometimes, minor redecorating is recommended if certain elements of your home are dated and tired-looking. Dark wood, shag carpet, foil and flock wallpaper, etc., can be a turnoff even when the rest of your house is terrific. I can suggest inexpensive and effective ideas to bring you a better sales price.

Pride Of Ownership Sells

Cleanliness attracts buyers. Put sparkle in your home, and it will pay off. For special showings and open houses, colorful, fresh flowers give a special touch and show the pride you have in your home. Have soft classical music in the background 

Show Off Your House

Get rid of clutter

Arrange furniture for an open feeling; too much furniture makes a room look smaller

Flowers and plants add pretty touches to rooms

Kitchen counter tops should be free from clutter; put small appliances out of sight

Remove the "artwork" from the refrigerator door

Clean fingerprints from light switches and woodwork

A quick coat of paint works wonders. Use off-white; It does not offend anyone

Organize the closets and cabinets; they will look bigger

Bathrooms and kitchens should be sparkling clean

Clean away mold and mildew from around bathroom tile and fixtures

Clean Air-Conditioner Duct

Fix loose doorknobs, drippy faucets, torn screens, etc.

Three's A Crowd

Buyers prefer privacy when shown through a house. That includes pets as well. Whenever possible, never stay in your house with house hunters. The buyer will feel more relaxed. If you or your family members must stay, please don't discuss terms, price, etc. Silence is golden. Be courteous and only answer questions when asked. Do not force conversation; stay away from them. Apologies should never be made for any adverse conditions in your home. It only emphasizes the defects. Please let me handle any objections or answer any questions. It is part of my job and training.

Reasonable Access

Please let us know where you can be reached, and anytime you will not be in town or available for showing presentations. We will always call you with as much notice as we are given. If you need to reach us to change the time and do not have all our numbers with you, just call the office and they will give them to you. We are open seven days and week and have voicemail after hours. In emergencies, you can ALWAYS reach us on any day or hour.

Things to do just before your property is shown

• Open blinds, drapes, and shades - let the light in
• Turn lights on, especially in dark areas such as hallways and baths.
• Turn on the air conditioning so the house temperature is comfortable
• Open bedroom and bathroom doors
• Turn the TV off
• Turn loud music off; soft music on very low is nice
• Make the beds
• Dishes should be done
• Keep toilet seats closed
• Everything should be neat, clean, and uncluttered
• Keep pets outside or out of the way

And you, the Seller, should walk outside or run an errand. Buyers are more likely to share their true feelings without the Seller being present.