Help Us Sell Your Home For Top Dollar.

Please remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. We, therefore, ask for your help in showing your home in the best possible light. In order to help you, we present you with this list of simple things that you can do to make your home display to its full advantage and thereby assuring top dollar and a quick sale in the market.

1. First Impressions mean everything: Start with your lawn, driveway and front walkway. These are the first parts of the house that your visitor sees. Fertilize if necessary; water regularly; mow the lawn; trim the hedges.

2. Welcome your guest with a clean and uncluttered door and doorway. Make sure that you present a happy entrance.

3. A lived in but well kept premises goes a long way. If the walls need to be painted, paint them. If woodwork is scratched, touch it up. There are too many things that can detract from the value or appeal of a house, not to take care of those little problems.

4. Clean windows. Highlight your walls and ceilings and let more light into your rooms. Brightness translate to happy.

5. Make your kitchen sparkle. An absolute necessity. Many buyers will judge an entire home on the condition of the kitchen. Counter tops should be clean and uncluttered. Your cabinets will be opened so please put things away neatly. Baking soda on formica removes stains nicely.

6. A shining bathroom helps to sell your home. Repair any loose grout; clean the caulking; remove soap film from the tile; keep the bathroom window open and invite the fresh air in.

7. Let there be light. Open the draperies; in the evening turn on the lights in all of the rooms. It helps make the rooms appear to be larger and roomier.

8. Make closets look larger by removing or packing items that can be stored elsewhere. Neat, well organized closets show that there is ample space.

9. Make repairs as needed: Closet doors that are off track, loose door knobs, dripping faucets, loose or cracked ceiling molding, are but a few of the items that should be repaired.

10. From top to bottom. Don’t hide your home. Every room has value. Show the storage space in the attic and the spacious play area in the basement.

11. Check major appliances. Clean the refrigerator and oven; dust the outside of the hot water heater; oil the attic fan, etc. It doesn’t take a lot, but it goes a long way.

12. Do not allow your home to appear to be cluttered. Remove excess furniture. Store away the children’s toys. Put the lawn mower away. You know what I mean.

13. Let the professional do the job. Stay in the backyard. Don’t volunteer. If you are needed, the professional will know how to find you. It is important that the agent be able to talk freely to the prospective buyer.

14. Silence is golden. Don’t try to force conversation with a prospective buyer. Be courteous and friendly, of course, but don’t tag along behind your guest, and remember, they are not in your home as a social guest.

15. Remove pets. This is a must. Pets are part of our families, but not at house showing times, however. Keep all of your pets out of the way.

16. Use the services of the sales agent. If someone attempts to see your home without a sales agent, please do not admit them. Politely say that the home is not yet ready to be shown, and to make an appointment. Take their name and number and turn it over to your agent. He or she will contact them and return at an appointed hour.