First Impressions are Most Important!

• Tidy up the yard, patios, and garage.

• Keep landscaping trimmed. Add annuals for color.
  --especially where it will be visible from the street.

• Clean or paint the front door and mailbox.

• Contain all toys out of sight.

• Pare furniture to a minimum to open up space.

Decor and Cleanliness Count!

• Make sure kitchen and bathrooms sparkle

• Put away all clutter - even the stuff you use everyday!

• Invest in paint; choose neutral colors.

• Use fresh, attractive bedspreads and pillows

• If any furniture looks shabby, remove or replace it with something you can use in your new home.

• Wash all the windows - inside and out.

• Make closets seem spacious by organizing and deleting whatever is seasonal or can be packed for your move.

• Updating the decor in kitchen and bathrooms pays for itself while speeding up a sale.

Disrepair doesn't get a pass.

• Repair shutters, gutters, and down spouts

• Replace screens and screen doors as needed.

• Paint exterior trim

• Paint hallways and entrances that appear worn.

• Replace worn carpeting or damaged tile.

• Repair or replace sticking doors or windows, dripping faucets, loose knobs, running toilets, other small items.

• Have a working light in every area - closets, garages, outdoors. Everything shows better when well-lit.

Show Time!

• Put out clean towels and make the beds.

• Put dishes in the dishwasher or wash and put them away.

• Straighten up newspapers, mail, pet toys stray jackets, magazines, computer areas, etc.

• Keep all steps clear of hazards.

• Turn on the lights in every room.

• Open all window coverings.

• Bake cookies, if possible, or simmer potpourri.

• Put out cut flowers, if possible.

• Keep pets out of sight. They annoy some and distract others.

• Avoid having too many people present. You don't want the Buyer to feel like an intruder.

• Don't allow your children to tag along on the tour. It's best if the entire family/sellers leave during tour.

• Never apologize for appearance. It only accentuates or changes the mood to a negative.

• Turn off all external noises such as TV, radio, or dishwasher.