When you're getting ready to sell your home, its very important that your home "shows well".  The following suggestions will help make that happen:

INSIDE YOUR HOME

• Remove all unnecessary objects and furniture throughout the home.  Keep decorative items to a minimum.
  
  
• Clear all unnecessary items from kitchen countertops.  Remove refrigerator magnets and photos.  If your kitchen is clear and neat, it will look biggger.
  
  
• Remove all unnecessary items from all other rooms.  Less furniture and clutter makes a room seem larger.  Remember how little furniture was in each room in the last model home you visited ?
  
  
• Remove personal pictures from walls & furniture.  We want prospective buyers to mentally "see themselves living in your home."  Your family's personal items make it hard for them to do that.   And, we want the prospects to focus on your home, not on your collections of things.
  
  
• Clean carpets, drapes & windows.  Repaint with neutral colors where necessary.  It makes rooms larger and brighter.  Neutral colors make it more likely your prospect's furniture will look good without requiring the new owners to paint.
  
  
• Install one size larger light bulbs and leave all lamps and lights on during showings.  Brighter rooms look and feel larger.
  
  
• Have your stereo playing soft music during showings.  It helps prospective buyers relax during a stressful time.
  
  
• Allow your Realtor to put a lockbox on the property.  Some agents won't bother to show a home where they have to arrange to meet someone at the home.

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
     Remember that the Buyer's first and most lasting impression of your home will be what they see as they drive up.   It's called "Curb Appeal."

• Remove everything outside your home that doesn't need to be there.  Put garbage cans, etc. in your garage.
  
  
• Check gutters & roof for damage or peeling paint and get it repaired.
  
  
• Your front door is the first thing a prospect will see up close so paint the front door and put down a new doormat.  Make sure the doorbell works and is in good shape.
  
  
• Mow and fertilize the lawn to make it as green as possible.  Keep the lawn neatly edged.
  
  
• Inspect all plantings.  Prune bushes & trees so they don't block windows.  Put down fresh wood chips.
  
  
• Make sure the garage door is down when the home is being shown.