When preparing your house to sell, view it from the “buyer’s” perspective. The time and money spent on cleaning, repairing, and removing clutter will maximize its appearance. This can help increase your profits and will result in a faster sale. Keep in mind that your home is not only competing with homes in your neighborhood but homes in surrounding areas as well as new homes.

Here are some tips…

• Repaint the front door and trim. Repaint the rest of the house, if needed.
• Move all garbage cans, extra building materials and gardening supplies, etc. that are in the yard into the garage or shed.
• Check gutter and/or roof for dry rot and leaks.
• Edge and trim bushes and trees. Remove any dead shrubs and trees.
• Weed and maintain all planted areas.
• Clean the patio, porch, and decks of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, toys, etc. Sweep all areas and walkways.
• Check all screens and windows. Repair or replace as needed.
• Test all fences, gates, and latches. Repair or replace any weakened areas.
• Clean the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, or hot tub.
• Check external structures, patio cover, gazebo, sheds. Repair, repaint, or clean.
• Use driveway cleaner to remove oil stains from the driveway or garage floor.
• Replace worn, badly stained, or personalized door mats.

Ways to help the Buyers Mentally “Move In”

• Open the front door. If it squeaks, groans, or drags, fix it. Clean or paint front door.
• Review each room. Paint walls, clean windows, window coverings, and shampoo soiled carpets. In some cases you may need to replace the carpet.
• Rearrange or remove some furniture. Less furniture in the room makes the room appear larger.
• Remove all necessary objects on the furniture throughout the house. Restrict decorative objects to groups of one, three, or five items.
• Take down or rearrange certain pictures or objects on the walls. A gallery of family photos or large collections will distract buyers and can redirect their focus away from the house.
• Clear away unnecessary appliances from the kitchen countertops.
• Remove messages from refrigerator fronts.
• Clean the stove, stove hood and screen, microwave, and sinks.
• Remove all extra items from tubs, shower stalls, commode tops, and countertops in the bathroom. Group the most needed cosmetics, brushes, etc. on one counter. Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
• Keep toilet lids down.
• Fix leaky plumbing
• Organize your closets and cupboards. Thin them out and keep them orderly.
• Sweep the garage and keep it tidy.
• Place all money jewelry, and other valuables (including guns) in a secure, out of sight location.
• Put pets, pet food dishes, and litter boxes outside, whenever possible.
• Check all light fixtures. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Clean the fireplace and hearth.
• Locate operating manuals for appliances. Have warranty information available.
• Rent a storage building to store “extra items” which can take away from size of closets, rooms, etc.

• Place basket or dish on a table near the front door for business cards.
• Place flyers on a table by the front door.
• If you are at home when a salesperson comes by with a buyer, always ask for a business card before allowing them into your home. After you have made proper identification make yourself inconspicuous (go outside, to the garage, run an errand).
• Save all real estate business cards left at your home. We will follow-up on the showings.
• Leave certain lights on during the day. During showings turn on all lights and lamps.
• Have soft music on during the day of a showing.

Make your house smell good. Buy candles, plug-ins, or bake cookies. Plug-ins are most recommended because they safely and effectively scent your home throughout the day. You don’t have to worry with fire hazards, as you would with candles and you don’t have to go to the trouble of cooking. Make sure the aroma is subtle and non-abrasive.

©2004, Mike Parker & Company Real Estate, L.L.P.