First impressions are crucial, but with your busy schedules who has time for that, right? 

As busy as our lives may be, if you are trying to sell your home, then you must take a good look at what you are presenting to potential buyers.  With the number of homes on the market, in order to attract buyers, your home must stand out.  You want to showcase your home to buyers.  

Top 10 To Do Items for Sellers

1. Curb appeal – First impression - get the buyer to come inside
                Keep lawn mowed and leaves raked
                Keep trees and shrubs trimmed
                Remove dead plants, trees, or flowers and keep flower beds free from weeds
                Keep outdoor lawn tools, toys, garbage cans in garage or storage area
                Clean gutters and clear downspouts
                Clean windows
                Clean or replace mailbox, if necessary
                Sweep or blow debris/leaves from walkways, decks, and steps
                Replace or repair any broken steps, screens, windows, shingles, etc.

2. Clean, Clean, Clean (Keep home as clean as possible for unexpected showings)
                Every room should be neat, clean, dusted and uncluttered
                Clean Refrigerator, stove, ceiling fans, etc.

3. Lighting – bright light bulbs in foyer and throughout the house
                Replace burned out light bulbs
                Add lamps or lighting to dark rooms
                Keep curtains open to allow natural light

4. De-clutter rooms and closets
                Remove all knick-knacks (collections) from your shelves
                Clear all your bathroom and kitchen counters to make every area seem
                as spacious as possible
                Clear out some clothes in closets and organize shelves and shoes
                Keep the floors clear of boxes and miscellaneous items/clutter

5. Remove personal items - including personal pictures
                Remove magnets and personal photos from refrigerator
                A home with too much “personality” is harder to sell. Removing family photos
                and personalized décor will help buyers visualize the home as theirs.

6. Organize
                Keep your home organized. This will provide a more stress free environment
                for buyers and will help buyers envision themselves living in this home.

7. Furniture Placement – arrange furniture to make rooms look spacious
               Too much furniture and knick-knacks make rooms look small

8. Complete all repairs, replacements, or deferred maintenance
               For example: Leaky faucet, unfinished paint jobs, a torn screen, or a
               worn doormat, etc.

9. Comfortable setting – temperature
              Be sure buyers want to stay to see your home and are comfortable while 
              touring your home.  Whether it is cold or hot outside, be sure to adjust
              your thermostat accordingly.

10. Keep your home ready to show
             This step may be inconvenient,
             but it is important to keep
             your home show ready 
             everyday for all showings,
             including the last minute or 
             unexpected showings. Until 
             you accept an offer, showing 
             your home at its best will allow
             buyers to imagine themselves
             in this home.

 

If you have any questions, additional tips or success stories, we would like to hear from you. Please feel free to post your comments.
–Steve Bourke, Group Leader

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