Curb Appeal- Some buyers judge the book by the cover and just drive by to see if the house appeals to them.   Does your house have curb appeal? Can we give it a little more pizzazz to draw the buyer in? Would a bit of touch-up paint on trim and doors add dollars to the sale? What about the garden? Is the lawn in order and neatly edged? Are trees and bushes neatly pruned? Are flowers in bloom? If not, it may be time for a garden upgrade. Adding colorful annuals to the front garden will make a big difference. Make sure trashcans, tools, and toys are stored out of sight.  If you have pets, make sure your yard is clear of waste.  Remove snow from drive and walkways.  Remember, creating curb appeal will add dollars to your house's final selling price.

Welcome Home or Just Passing Through?
As I walk in the door of your house, I will ask myself, "Will this house say, 'Welcome home' to a buyer?" Looking through the eyes of a buyer, I will recommend changes that will enhance sales appeal.

You need to eliminate anything that gives the appearance of clutter and lack of space. Countertops should be free and clear. Knickknacks, souvenirs, family photos, refrigerator artwork - out of sight. We need to "de-personalize" the house so buyers can imagine it as their home.  I've taken buyers through homes who became uncomfortable and felt they were invading the homeowners' privacy when confronted by calendars with medical information, paychecks, tax forms, personal hygiene items and intimate photos.

Closets and cupboards should appear large and roomy. Buyers are sure to look inside.  It's time to make a donation to a local charity or store belongings at a friend's or family member's home.  Get a friend to have a garage sale.  If you need to, rent a storage area. Consider it "pre-packing".

Reviewing your home room-by-room, I will make recommendations that impact the sale. I'll point out the pieces of furniture that should be removed, rooms that need new paint, carpet that needs to be cleaned or changed, fixtures that need polishing, windows that need cleaning, and any other improvement that can easily be made to promote the sale.

Setting the Stage
Before the first buyer walks in your door, I'll show you how to set the stage. We want to engage the buyer's senses. Sight-Lighting is critical. We'll draw back curtains, open blinds, change light bulbs and add lighting where needed to welcome the buyer.  Scent- keep trash cans, litter boxes and pet cages, empty or out of sight; air fresheners are helpful, but be carefule not to overuse.    Sound- take pets with you when possible a barking dog can scare some people.

The Back Yard
You may only get one chance to make good impression. When buyers are looking at your home, they will usually know almost instantly whether they like it or not.  Make sure that by the time they get to looking at the back yard, you keep that great first impression going.  Especially during summer months, when buyers may be thinking about barbecues and children playing, the back yard can make an important impression.

If you have a pool or hot tub make sure you keep it looking clean and neat.  If your lawn is looking a little bit weak, some fertilizer and watering will bring back the deep green color.  Be sure you mow and edge your lawn frequently until your home is sold.  Cut back overgrown shrubs to show more of the exterior of your home.  It will look more tidy and also makes the yard look bigger.  Fences should be in good repair, and you should consider painting them if necessary.  Make sure all latches and hinges are in good working order.  If you have a dog, be extra vigilant to keep the “evidence” to a minimum.  You can plant a few annuals to add some instant color that looks great.  If you have a patio, make sure the furniture is clean and strategically placed.  Consider adding some potted plants.

 For Safety's Sake- While your house is on the market.  There will be complete strangers walking through it.  They will be accompanied by an agent, but it can be hard to keep track of more than one person at a time, particularly during an open house.  Precious items that could easily be pocketed,such as jewelry, personal papers, and medications should be put away or locked up.  Buyers will be opening doors and drawers to see if there is room for their things.  And Never offer to show your home to someone who stops in because of the sign.   Have them contact me and I will accompany them.