Many cosmetic changes can be made with minimal time and expense. Buyers will be comparing your property to competing properties. So here are a few practical tips to help yours stand out above the rest.

Unclutter

• Eliminating clutter will make your property feel larger and brighter. If your property is uncluttered and neutral, prospective buyers can explore it comfortably and envision it with their own personal touches.

Repair

• Making certain repairs will present your property in a more positive light to prospective buyers, and can also add to its value. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will too. Our Home Repair Network (tab on the left) provides a convenient list of personally referred contractors, landscapeers and other service providers that will get your house in tip-top shape.

Clean

• Presenting a clean home to a buyer shows them the home has been valued and well cared for.

Curbside Appeal

You hear about this on HGTV, right? It is important!

• Keep the lawn mowed and the steps swept.
• Store hoses neatly; be sure sprinklers don't water walkways.
• Repair gates, fences, sidewalks and driveways.
• Remove or replace dead or dying plants.
• Cut back shrubs obscuring windows.
• Add color with blooming flowers.
• Clear yard of all debris.
• Apply fresh paint as needed and replace damaged bricks or wood siding.
• Repair any cracked or broken windows and be sure the faucets or sprinkler systems are in good working order.
• If you have a pool, be sure it sparkles. Keep the patio area neat and yard furniture in good repair.

INTERIOR APPEAL

Overall

• Wash windows.
• Clean or replace carpets.
• Paint rooms in neutral colors.
• Be sure all electrical systems are in working order.
• Clean drapes and window treatments.
• Clear out all excess items.
• Clean floors.

Kitchen

• Clean appliances, cabinetry and floors.
• Clean and clear countertops.
• Repair faucets and appliances.

Bathrooms

• Polish the floor, mirrors and fixtures.
• Repair grout and caulking.
• Repair running toilet or faulty plumbing.
• Replace or clean shower curtain.

Closets

• Replace burned out light bulbs.
• Hang clothes neatly.
• Store shoes in boxes neatly on shelves.

Garage

• Keep the floors clean and swept.
• Store or neatly arrange all items.

PRIOR TO SHOWING

Outdoors

• Be sure the entrance and walkways to your home are clean & inviting.
• Store hoses neatly and be sure sprinklers don't water the walkways.
• Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.
• Park extra cars away from the property.

Inside

• Quick once over with the vacuum.
• Place fresh flowers in the main rooms.
• Put dishes away.
• Make beds and put all clothes away.
• Open drapes and turn on lights.
• Straighten closets and open doors slightly.
• Kitchen and bathrooms should shine, trash should be emptied and personal items should be put away.
• Turn off television.
• Play soft music on the radio/stereo.
• Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odorfree.
• Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.
• Put laundry away.
• Keep the temperature comfortable. A crackling fire in the fireplace is appropriate on a cool winter day.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Potential buyers usually feel more comfortable if the owners are not present.
• If people unaccompanied by an agent request to see your property, please refer them to me so that I can prequalify them. I'm only a phone call away.
• Leave a number where you can be reached if you are leaving town, even for a weekend.