Making the Best of a First Impression

When you put your home on the market, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.  Before you have your agent put that sign in the yard, you might want to take an honest look at your home.  This must include every aspect of your home, from the exterior to the interior.  Ask a good friend that will speak openly to help you.  If you need to declutter, start as soon as you can so that you will be able to capture your prospective buyers' attention when they walk through the door. 

First, you will need to walk across the street and look at your home the way a potential buyer will see it.  With today's technology, the first time people see your home could be on the internet.  When you imagine a camera angle, is there anything that stands out?  Do your shutters need paint?  Is your landscaping neatly done?  If your entrance needs to be spruced up, add some colorful annuals in bright pots or planters.  Perk up your beds with some fresh mulch or pine straw.  Clean the gutters and make sure all of them are in good working order.  If necessary, clean your windows so that they sparkle from the outside and let in maximum light on the inside.  Check your back yard for any holes or potential dangers that might injure someone as they walk through.  Remember, buyers will want to see all of your home when they are looking.

Once your work is done outside, step inside and take an inventory of every room.  Remove any unused items from each room and if you like have a yard sale!  It will also be a good time to let your neighbors know you'll be moving.  Pack up anything you're not using on a daily basis and be sure to label the boxes so that when you do move, unpacking will go much smoother.  Dust, wipe down and polish every surface in your home and then move on to the floors.  Clean your grout, carpets and rugs so they look spotless.  Use a non-stipping floor cleaner on your wood floors to make them shine.  When your done, all these small chores will help you enjoy the last memories in your home before you hand the keys off to the next residents!