Getting Ready -- Lights, camera, action!

1. Create drive up appeal both daytime and evening. Many buyers will drive by and through your neighborhood after dark.  Do whatever is necessary to park your car in the garage in the evening so buyers can see your home.

2. Clean up clutter. Too much “stuff” in a home can cause the buyer to only see what is on display and not the house itself. You are selling the home, so go ahead and get some things packed and out of sight.

3. Clean out the garage and the closets. Think resale or call Goodwill. This might even be the time for a temporary storage unit.

4. Eliminate odors. Use air fresheners etc., anything that brings new and fresh smells in to your home.

5. Clean up the yard and landscaping.

6. Remember that you are on stage. A showing can occur at any time, often when it is the least convenient. Be as ready as possible you won’t always get as much notice as you should. Be as ready as possible at all times so you can polish up and get out quickly if there is a showing scheduled. Make beds and pick up every day inside and out. Polish floors, sinks, mirrors etc.. We know it is difficult at times but cleanliness and orderliness are everything in trying to sell your home. This is especially true if you live in an area where there is a lot of comparable brand new construction.

7. If your home needs painting or the carpet needs shampooing it will be well worth it to do it now. Buyers are usually looking for a home that is “move in ready”.

8. Price and condition are the two most important factors in selling your home. These are things you control. You cannot change location, view, or design but you can make the very best first impression possible.