[ddevalle]

Catch them at the curb

Do everything you can to enhance the drive-up or curb appeal.
*Keep the yard well groomed and trimmed. Are planting areas weeded? Are dead plants removed? Are plants blocking any windows? Is it time to plant new flowering species?
*Check around the perimeter of the house. Are garbage cans stored? Are building materials or wood scraps visible?
*Are gutters cleaned out?
*Is the patio or deck cleared of all items? It’s time to store those items in the garage or temporary storage.
*Is the front walk swept?
*Does the front entrance need to be painted? Are there a couple of pots filler with colorful blooming flowers by the front door?
*What about the door mats? Should they be replaced?

Start packing now - create more space
*Create space. Remove some of the furniture. Rooms will appear larger.
*Create more space. Take at least half of the clothes out of your closets. Remove even more items off your kitchen counter.
*Can anything be removed from the kitchen cabinets now?
*Is there anything that a buyer may want as part of the house?
*Are the garage and storage areas as clean and neat as they should be?


Remove all traces of you from your home
*Make your home “neutral” to remove the possible discomfort of others caused by a feeling of intrusion upon you.
*A family portrait or two may add warmth and character, but be careful to limit the number.
*Avoid trendy color schemes. Paint and carpet should remain in the neutral shades of white or beige.
*Clear refrigerator front of messages and pictures.
*Keep only your most needed cosmetics, brushes, perfume. Store those items in the cabinet. Coordinate towels to only one or two neutral colors.

Clean, Clean, Clean
*Clean like you’ve never cleaned before. Keep the windows spotless. Hire a cleaning service if you must.
*Does the carpet need cleaning?
*Is there absolutely no clutter? Is everything organized? Is there any dust?
*Do the bathrooms sparkle?

Fix it
*When taking pictures off the walls to neutralize the house, patch and paint if necessary.
*What about the window screens? Do they need to be replaced?
*Do the windows work properly?
*Tighten any loose knobs or faucets.
*Make sure the porch light and door bell are working.

Day of, the little things make a difference
Just before the agent shows the house:
*Close the garage door.
*Park the kids and the pets with a neighbor.
*Put away the kids' toys.
*Turn on all the lights, and open all the curtains. Exception: Leave the curtains drawn if the
window looks out on a wall with graffiti or another eyesore.
*If there's a smoker in the house, remove ashtrays and other evidence of tobacco. (Leading up to showings try to limit smoking to outdoors.)
*Use an air freshener if the house doesn't already smell fresh. But don't bother if there's a nice
cooking aroma from the kitchen.
*Turn off appliances.
*Is very soft music playing in the background?
*Is the house temperature comfortable? A cozy fire in the fireplace on a cold winter day is a nice touch.

Keeping a house in “showing condition” can be time consuming and stressful, but the rewards can be great and hopefully will bring the right buyer with the best possible offer quickly.