FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING: The front door greets the prospective buyer. Make sure it is fresh and clean. Replace door mats if needed. Keep lawn and lawn edges trimmed and remove debris from the yard each day. Make sure that the first impression from the exterior of your home is a great one.

DECORATE FOR A QUICK SALE: Faded walls and woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look when you can show them by redecorating? The result: A quicker sale at a higher price. You can’t find a better investment when you’re selling a house than a few cans of paint to brighten up the interior.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN: Open draperies and blinds and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Dark rooms do not have appeal.

FIX THAT FAUCET: Dripping water may discolor sinks and suggest faulty plumbing.

REPAIRS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Make sure appliances are in good working order. Loose knobs, sticking and squeaking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, holes in window screens and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them all fixed. Don’t let minor repairs be a buyer’s objection. For every problem seen, buyers believe that there will be ten more.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Display the full value of your home from the attic to the basement to your utility space and garage by removing all unnecessary items. Make sure storage areas are as neat and clean as they should be. Organize items in cabinets and remove items from counter-tops to enhance spaciousness.

SAFETY FIRST: Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible hazards. MAKE CLOSETS LOOK BIGGER: Neat, well-ordered closets show that there is ample space. Remove unnecessary clothes and other items to maximize appearance.

BATHROOMS HELP SELL HOMES: Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Store as many items as possible to keep counters clutter-free. Make this room sparkle!

ARRANGE BEDROOMS NEATLY: Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bed coverings. Minimize personal items, including photographs.

HARMONIZE THE ELEMENTS: Music playing softly. TV off. All lights on, day or night. Drapes and blinds open in the daytime, closed at night as appropriate. If it’s hot, cool it; if it’s cold, light a crackling fire.

YOU CAN SELL PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP faster and for more money: It’s called cleanliness and cleanliness attracts more buyers than fine gold. Put sparkle in your bedrooms and kitchen and you will reap the rewards!

NEVER STAY IN YOUR HOME WITH HOUSE HUNTERS: Avoid being present in your home when it is shown. The seller’s presence tends to unnerve possible buyers and can sometimes prevent a sale because the potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Let the agent handle it. Remember that agent has worked many hours with the prospect, knows what they’re looking for and how to work with them. Let him or her do their job without interference. You may feel that an agent won’t show the important features of your home to the prospect, however, the agent knows people aren’t sold by details until they’ve become emotionally involved with the big picture of your home. Don’t put this obstacle in your path – leave your home when buyers are coming.

MUSIC IS MELLOW: Turn off the blaring radio or television. Background soft playing music is okay but should not interfere with the agent and buyer being able to freely converse.

PETS UNDERFOOT: Keep pets out of the way….preferably out of the house. Many people are actually uncomfortable around some animals.

WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to a potential buyer before he has purchased the home often loses a sale.