Get Ready to Show

It is time to now look differently and unemotionally at your home. Look at it as a product to be marketed. Be aware of what you can and cannot change about your home. This knowledge will allow you to concentrate on those items that will bring the highest rewards.

First Impressions

The first thing a potential buyer sees is your home from the street. They call that first impression "curb appeal." Take care to:

• • Remove any clutter from the yard.
  • Have a clean, well groomed lawn, a bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn
  • Trim shrubs, hedges and bushes.
  • Wash decks and porches and try a fresh coat of stain or paint.
  • Clean then paint or stain your front door.
  • All exterior lights should be operational and clean.
  • Exterior windows should be clean and operational.
  • Clean out gutters and downspouts.
  • Walkways should be swept and free of snow or ice during winter.
  • Make sure the garage door is closed.

Create the Vision

Most buyers do not have vision, so help them. Present your home dressed in its best! Do not do anything expensive, such as remodeling. Here are some minor investments, which may have some major returns.

• • Paint - when it comes to preparing a house, painting gives you the best return for money spent.
  • Flooring - at the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced. Any flooring that is cracked or damaged, should be replaced, if possible.
  • Clutter -If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out!
  • Closets – Closets need to be neat, clean, and organized...this helps them look bigger!
  • Cleaning – the cleaner, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, polishing everything will always make a good impression.
  • Lights – clean the fixtures and make sure the bulbs work.
  • Windows – replace any cracked windows.