Of course every seller wants their home to sell quickly and for the highest price possible, so how do you give yourself the best shot at that? We believe that from our perspective proper pricing is the most important aspect but also preparing your home so that it makes the best first impression on potential  buyers is a very close second and is directly related to your ultimate selling price!  So where to start? Here is a list of things to consider and we would suggest giving yourself a specific timeline to work with and get it done!

1. De-Personalize
   You want people to see themselves creating a life in your house and making it their home so you will want to pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms.  Some buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted by your “things”.  You want people saying “I can see myself living here” rather than “I wonder who lives here”.
2. De-Clutter!
   Now is the time to eliminate anything you don’t need and don’t want to move with you!  Likely anything you haven’t used in a year can be donated or disposed of.  You may need to enlist the help of a friend who can help you be objective about your “stuff”.  Think of this as getting a head start on the packing up process that you will need to do eventually anyway!

• Remove or at least edit books and art pieces.
• Pack up those knickknacks.
• Clean off kitchen counters….you want buyers to see loads of counter space!
• Put the necessary items that are used daily in a container that can be stored in a closet or pantry where they can be accessed easily.
• Try going around your home and taking photos and then looking at your rooms through the lens of the camera.  It is amazing how we just get used to our spaces and not see what is sitting on tables, counters etc. and how that may appear to potential buyers.

   3. Neaten Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets. 

• Buyers will open closet and cabinet doors in the process of viewing your home, so open those doors and see what they will potentially see!  Closets and cabinets that are organized give the illusion of space. And a neat, well organized home sends a message that you care for your home.  Edit, edit, edit!

   4.  Rent a Storage Unit If Necessary 

• Almost every home shows better with less furniture. If you have pieces that are blocking pathways or making rooms look smaller, put them in storage. The same goes for your garage….if you have a double garage but there is only room to park one car because of the stuff being stored in it you may want to consider an intervention there as well!

       If the small details are maintained it is assumed that the major things have

       been as well so now is the time to catch up on the little nitpicky projects you

       have been meaning to get to……

• Patch holes in walls and touch up paint… or if necessary consider a fresh coat of neutral paint that will have the broadest appeal to potential buyers
• Fix or replace leaky faucets
• Replace burned out light bulbs

 The final details!  Now is the time for the “spring cleaning” items…..

• Wash windows inside and out.
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
• Make sure your bathrooms are squeaky clean & hang fresh towels
• Clean out the refrigerator!!
• Dust off those ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
• Make sure your house is clean and smells great before showings!! You only get one shot at a first impression J   
• Curb appeal counts as well so make sure the yard is clean and lawn cut and adding a welcoming pot of bright flowers at the front door is a nice touch as well!

We know it sounds like a lot but if you take a few weeks and tackle one area at a time it will net you a benefit in the

final sale of your home!

Happy Home Selling!

Jen & Karin