Dress Up Your Home for Lasting First Impressions

• Check your landscaping. Clean and pick up the grounds.
• Paint front door and other wood trim where needed. Paint entire home if more than 5 years since last painted.
• Remove all debris and unsorted items.
• Add color wherever possible. (Fresh or artificial flowers are quick and easy.)
• Trim all tree branches to at least 7 feet from the house. If there are large, bush shrubs close to the house, give them a trim at least 30 days prior to putting your home on the market.
• Shampoo carpets in main rooms and entryway prior to marketing. Make sure there is no smoke or pet odor.
• Have all the windows sparkling clean!!!
• Clean, re-seal and re-spray textured ceiling if smokers live in the home or it has been 7 years since it was last done.
• Clear the kitchen counter tops 100% where possible.
• Clean out all closets, cabinets and kitchen/bathroom drawers.
• Don't point out lack of storage if it is a problem.
• Take unused items to a storage facility.
• Clean or seal-coat the driveway.

The objective is to excite as many of the buyers SENSES as possible: Sight, Sound, Smell, and Touch

• Open or remove all dark draperies. Turn on all lights in every room no matter what time of day. This projects warmth and is a sign of welcome.
• Eliminate all distractions. Take your children and pets out of the home, turn off TV, and keep music soft during your open house showing. Possible buyers are more at ease when they are not disturbed or sidetracked by noise.
• Do not cook fish, bacon, or other odorous foods within 24 hours of showings.
• Give the potential buyers space. It is best not to lead them through your home. Let the potential buyers take the lead and you follow a bit behind. Let them enter a room as you wait in the hall. This way they can discuss anything between each other with ease and you can answer any questions they may have.
• Be humble. Do not be afraid to show pride in your home. When showing your home, there is no need to apologize for household evidence that you live there. If you are uncomfortable with something or feel that your home does not look perfect during the showing, just explain the situation to the potential buyers. They will understand and will appreciate your honesty.
• It's not a garage sale. Until you have sold the home, don't try to sell the things you are not taking along with you. This can be overwhelming to the potential buyers.
• Social event it isn't! Potential buyers are there to inspect your home. Don't try to gain a friendship. Let them move freely through the home with ease.
• In all cases, remember to remove valuables. Remember to keep jewelry, cash or prescription drugs in a safe place.