Drive-up Appeal

n        Trim trees and shrubs, clean out flower beds and invest in a few flats of seasonal flowers, paint the front door, make sure doorbell is working properly, wash the mailbox, keep the porch swept and get an attractive mat for people to wipe their feet.  First impressions are lasting!

Absolute Basics

n        Start by airing out the home.  Most people are turned off by even the smallest odor.  Odors must be eliminated, especially those caused by dogs and cats; soiled diapers and/or cigarettes.

n        Wash all the windows in the home, inside and out.

n        If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned, now is the time to have them cleaned.  Bare floors should also be waxed or polished.

n        Put bright light bulbs in every socket made for a bulb (be sure to check safe wattage levels!).  Buyers like bright & cheery.

n        Clean out closets, cabinets and drawers.  Get everything off the floor and don’t have the shelves piled to the ceiling.  Pack away excess linens and clothing to make closets look bigger.  Closets should look like they have enough room to hold additional items.  Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.

n        Make sure rooms are not overcrowded with furniture.  Select pieces that look best, and store the rest.

n        This may be a great time to replace window coverings, bedspreads, and rugs. Keep an eye out for ways to make each room look bright, airy, and fresh.

n        Keep the kitchen sparking clean.  Make sure all appliances are clean at all times.  Straighten cupboards that appear cluttered and keep floors gleaming.

n        Bathrooms help sell homes!  Bathtubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked.  The grout should be clean and in good condition.  There should be no leaks in the faucet or traps.

n        Fix the faucet!  Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.  It also gives the impression of overall neglect.

n        Small repairs can make a big difference.  Loose knobs, sticking windows and squeaking doors, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value.  This also gives the impression of neglect.

n        From top to bottom!  Display the full value of your attic, basement, garage, and other utility spaces by removing all unnecessary articles.  Brighten dark, dull spaces by painting walls and adding brighter light bulbs.

n        Safety first!  Keep stairways clear and doorways accessible.  Double check railings, steps, etc to prevent injuries.

A few more suggestions…

n        If you have limited counter space in the kitchen, keep unnecessary items put away.

n        Keep children’s toys out of the front yard, sidewalks and front porch.

n        Clean the ashes out of the fireplace.

n        Make sure that the pull-down staircase is working correctly.  Be sure there is a light in the attic.

n        The pool needs to be sparking and free of leaves.  Decks, patios, and walkways need to be free of leaves and debris.  Do they need to be stained, sealed, or pressure washed?

For those willing to go the extra mile…

n        There are some things you can do that will really add flair to your home.  If your house is the least bit dated, changing out wallpaper in the entry, kitchen or bathrooms and replacing outdated light fixtures adds desirability.

n        Fresh paint on interior and/or exterior where needed.

n        New appliances in the kitchen can be an exciting feature that can actually make the difference in a buyer choosing your home over another.

Showing your home…

n        When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, leave it as if you know it is going to be shown.

n        Keep good scents in the house, such as potpourri or simmering pots or candles.  Try to maintain one scent throughout the house to keep uniformity and don’t let it become overwhelming.

n        Make sure all the lights are on and window treatments are open.

n        Turn off the television.  Very soft classical or jazz music is often nice and soothing, especially if you have a whole house system.

n        Keep pets out of the way – preferably out of the house.  Many people are uncomfortable around some animals and may even be allergic to them.

n        Leave your premises.  Take a short break while your home is being shown.  Buyers are intimidated when sellers are present and tend to hurry through the house.  Let the buyer be at ease, and let the agents do their job.

n        Please NEVER show your home on your own without an agent!  You don’t know who you might be letting into you house.  If they’re serious, qualified buyers they will come back with a representative or contact me.