Preparing your home for the Buyer

Curb Appeal
One of the most important things in selling a home is first impressions and theres no better way to make a first impression than by making your home appealing from curbside.

Lanscaping
Planting a few flowers or plants can do a lot to a front yard.
Pull dead plants and trim overgrown ones. Water and Feed also
Get rid of Brush leaves and junk Plant fresh flowers and keep watered.
Now is a good time to have a yard sale, get rid of those items that you don't plan
to take with you. Do this before you put your house on the market to greatly reduce the "cluttered look".
Start packing away little things that you don't use everyday.
Recycle magazines, newspapers, bottles, cans and old toys.
A freshly cut lawn is very appealing and Lime is one of the best ways to green up a lawn.
If you have vinyl siding pressure wash at least the front of the home.  Paint the trim on the windows and clean the windows.

Inside make it fresh and new again!

Inside, everything should be spotless.
Spending some money to have someone do heavy "spring cleaning" if needed can bring a return many times over in the sales price and time on the market.
A fresh coat of light colored paint on the walls is always recommended.
Painting only the trim and the doors will add a lot.
Check to see that all doors open and close freely. Oil any squeaky doors.
Replace any burned out light bulbs. Brighter lights enhance many rooms.
Steam clean the carpets if new carpeting is not possible and to help eliminate any pet odors. Wash and wax linolium floors. Repair or replace damaged or missing tiles.
Bathrooms should sparkle. Remove soap scum and mildew. Replace old looking toilet seats. Kitchens should be clean and bright. Clean oven and stove top. Exhaust fans should be free of grease and dust. Clear all unnecessary objects from the countertops.
Keep curtains and blinds open and interior lights on for a bright warm cozy feeling.
Store clutter in boxes or storage units or a relative until the closing.
Buyers react most strongly to kitchens, and master bedrooms and baths  so it pays to concentrate your efforts here.  Shampoo Rugs or replace if need be.
Try switching out to some new pillows and switch plates add a couple ceiling fans. Replacing new shower curtains and a few new throw rugs can always spruce up a room.

Preview the competition's open houses to see what you are up against in both pricing
and condition. Potential buyers will be previewing these and more.

I always try to view a home as if I were going to buy it what would I want to see and how would I want to feel when I open the door and step in side.