In today’s market, the home that stands out among similarly priced houses is the home that sells most quickly.  Making a “good first impression” that continues all the way to settlement should be the primary goal of every potential home seller.

Here are some specific areas of the house to think about when you are getting ready to sell:

• Make sure to keep a well-maintained lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, and a clutter-free yard and front porch.

• New wallpaper or fresh coats of paint add charm and value to your property. 

• Clean up the front hallway, the living room, and the kitchen.  Then clean up all the other rooms! 

• Bathrooms can sometime make or break a deal, so make them sparkle!  The basics, such as the sink, toilet, bathtub, tile, should be immaculate. Fix leaky faucets – rust stains can indicate faulty plumbing. Repair caulking and grouting. Minor flaws suggest neglect to the home buying prospect. 

• Kitchen appliances should be spotless and in perfect working condition. Replace or repair anything that drips, sticks, or squeaks.  Counter-tops, cooking area, cabinets and eating spaces should be kept open and uncluttered, without an excess of countertop gadgets and appliances.

• Homebuyers are very interested in the general look and feel of your bedrooms. Excess furniture can be eliminated to create a more spacious feel. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains will enhance the charm and appeal of any bedroom.

• Make sure your attic and basement are as uncluttered with superfluous and unneeded items as possible.

• Sort out your wardrobe, and discard those items just taking up space.  Less cramped closets appear larger, and seem more attractive. 

• Make your residence as safe as possible for the many new visitors that will be coming to see your home.  Avoid in-the-way extension cords, dangling house-plants, and strewn-about toys.

• Pull back your curtains and open the drapes so that prospects can see how bright and cheerful your home is. 

• When showing your home in the evening, turn on the all your lights - both inside and outside.  Lights add color and warmth, and create a more welcoming environment for potential buyers. 

• Keep extra people and company in your home to a minimum during showing times, so potential buyers do not feel like intruders while visiting your home

• Keep dogs and cats outside, or at least out of the way, during your showings. 

• Whatever your personal taste in music, when it's time to show your home, it's best to turn down the stereo or TV. 

• Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction, so make a point of staying focused on the important business at hand. 

• No matter how humble your home may be, never apologize for its shortcomings.

• You will have an easier time selling your home if scheduled showings are carefully adhered to, and everything is in order when your potential homebuyer arrives.

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