Seller's Guide

Making the best impression the first time

Is an important step in marketing your home. Your agent will market your home to create interest and bring potential buyers to your door step. Turning an interested buyer into a written offer often depends on the buyers ability to visualize themselves living in your (their) home.

Here are a few tips for preparing your home for sale.

Curb appeal, curb appeal, curb appeal. Enough cannot be said about the street view of a house. Many buyers drive around looking at properties for sale, and determine which ones they want to see based on the outside look of a home. Take the time to mow the lawn, prune the hedges, weed the flower beds, put away any outside toys that can be stored and make sure the general appearance of your yard is neat and attractive.

Touch up the paint on the front and garage door and any trim or shutters. Go ahead and replace any rotten wood you may discover and make repairs you feel will enhance the appeal of your home.

Check for leaks. Caulk around tubs and sinks. Repair small items that may cause a potential buyer worry about purchasing your home.

Clean, clean, clean. Tidy up those cabinets and closets. Buyers and agents will be looking in your cupboards and closets. Tidy, neat cabinets and closets give a sense of space. Go ahead and get a head start on moving by packing up or giving away the items you don't really need. Don't forget the appliances, furniture and bathrooms. Keep the house as ready to show as possible at all times.

Have the carpets cleaned.

Make sure the light bulbs work in all light fixtures. Bright, cheery homes show better. If you know your home will be shown, open up the curtains. Let the sunshine in.

Take a furniture inventory. Most houses have to much furniture for the room sizes. Eliminate any unnecessary furniture, (don't make it sparse). Make sure pathways through your home accentuate the floor plan. This will create space and allow buyers to see how their furniture will fit.

Put away personal items such as photos, trophies, etc. Not just on the walls, but through the whole house. You want that buyer to be able to visualize themselves living in your home, not thinking about you living there.

For personal safety, consider removing any prescription medications, guns and expensive jewelry.

De-clutter as many areas as possible.

If you have a pet, make arrangements for them to be away or at least outside when buyers visit.

Place air fresheners in discreet places throughout your home.

Consider painting any walls that have unusual colors on them white or beige.

Remember to be flexible. Make your home as easy to show as possible.

Talk to your agent about any other concerns your have. Remember, you have engaged the services of a professional.